Board of Directors Meeting
November 7, 2014
9:00 am
AMENDED AGENDA VOTING: Unless otherwise indicated on this agenda, all Directors have one vote and a simple majority is required for a motion to pass.
Who Votes Count 1. Call to Order 1.1 Introduction: Andy Christie, Building Inspector
2. Addition of Late Items
3. Adoption of the Agenda
4. Adoption of the Minutes 4.1 October 3, 2014 Meeting
5. Delegations and Invited Presentations
6. Correspondence 6.1 Central East Kootenay Community Directed Funds Committee Meeting Minutes of October 16, 2014 6.2 Columbia Valley Community Directed Funds Committee Meeting Minutes of October 27, 2014 6.3 Elk Valley Community Directed Funds Committee Meeting Minutes of October 17, 2014 6.4 Forest Practices Board – 2013/2014 Annual Report 6.5 Southern Interior Beetle Action Coalition – Beetle Bites and Working to Advanced Rural Development in Southern Interior Report 6.6 E-Comm 9-1-1 – Quarterly Newsletter 6.7 BC Transit – Transit Promotes Newsletter 6.8 Fisheries and Oceans Canada – Management Plan for the Westslope Cutthroat Trout 6.9 Judy DeJong – Fraggle Rock 6.10 Fred Stevens, Volunteer Appreciation Dinner – Letter of Thanks 6.11 Cranbrook & District Community Foundation – Letter of Thanks 6.12 National Aboriginal Economic Development Board – Letter of Thanks 6.13 Township of Spallumcheen – Concerns Regarding Smart Meters
Amended Agenda Page 2 Board of Directors November 7, 2014
Correspondence (continued) 6.14 Christina Lake Stewardship Society – Prevent Invasion of Zebra and Quagga Mussels 6.15 Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development – UBCM Convention Update on Significant Initiatives 6.16 BC Legislative Assembly Official Opposition – UBCM Convention Update 6.17 RDEK – 2014 General Local Election – Declaration of Acclamation 6.18 MMBC – Advisory Committee Highlights 6.19 District of Sparwood – Coal Discovery Trail Addendum 6.20 Columbia Power Presentation – BC Hydro Elko Project Addendum 6.21 Office of the Premier – Highway 3 Addendum 6.22 Ministry of Environment – UBCM Convention Update Addendum 6.23 Kootenay Rockies ATV Club – Letter of Thanks Addendum 6.24 David Wilks, MP Kootenay-Columbia – Communication
7. Unfinished Business Addendum 7.1 Baynes Lake Area RV Infractions Report
8. New Business
9. Committee Recommendations • Electoral Area Services Committee • Planning & Development Services Committee • Governance & Regional Services Committee • Central Services Committee • Columbia Valley Service Committee 10. Bylaws
10.1 Bylaw No. 2537 – Elk Valley Zoning Amendment Bylaw – (Medical Marihuana / RDEK) – Adoption 10.2 Bylaw No. 2538 – Jaffray, Tie Lake, Rosen Lake Land Use and Floodplain Management Amendment Bylaw (Medical Marihuana / RDEK) – Adoption 10.3 Bylaw No. 2541 – South Country Zoning & Floodplain Management Amendment Bylaw (Medical Marihuana / RDEK) – Adoption 10.4 Bylaw No. 2542 – Cranbrook Rural Zoning Amendment Bylaw (Medical Marihuana / RDEK) – Adoption 10.5 Bylaw No. 2543 – Moyie & Area Land Use Amendment Bylaw (Medical Marihuana / RDEK) – Adoption 10.6 Bylaw No. 2545 – Wycliffe Zoning and Floodplain Management Amendment Bylaw (Medical Marihuana / RDEK) – Adoption
Amended Agenda Page 3 Board of Directors November 7, 2014
Bylaws (continued) 10.7 Bylaw No. 2548 – Upper Columbia Valley Zoning Amendment Bylaw (Medical Marihuana / RDEK) – Adoption 10.8 Bylaw No. 2555 – Fernie Rural Fire Protection Service Establishment Amendment Bylaw – Three Readings 10.9 Bylaw No. 2557 – Security Issuing Bylaw – All Directors Weighted Three Readings & Adoption Addendum 10.10 Bylaw No. 2535 – Electoral Area E Zoning & Floodplain Management Amendment Bylaw (Meadowbrook / Bannister) – Adoption Addendum 10.11 Bylaw No. 2556 – Fairmont Flood and Landslide Service Regulation Bylaw – Three Readings & Adoption Addendum 10.12 Bylaw No. 2558 – Housing Agreement Bylaw (Rosen Lake Road / Molenaar) – Three Readings & Adoption
11. Late Agenda Items
12. Reports from Directors 12.1 Transboundary Columbia River Basin Conference – Director Slee
Presentations to Departing Directors
13. Adjourn to Closed Meeting
COMMITTEE MEETING SCHEDULE Thursday, November 6, 2014
2:00 pm Electoral Area Services Committee 3:00 pm Planning & Development Services Committee 4:00 pm Governance & Regional Services Committee 6:15 pm Central Services Committee 6:30 pm Columbia Valley Services Committee
NEXT MEETINGS
Committee Meetings RDEK Board of Directors Thursday, January 8, 2015 Friday, January 9, 2015 Time: TBA Time: 9:00 am
MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE REGIONAL DISTRICT OF EAST KOOTENAY HELD AT THE REGIONAL DISTRICT OFFICE IN CRANBROOK BC ON OCTOBER 3, 2014
PRESENT Chair Rob Gay Electoral Area C Director Mike Sosnowski Electoral Area A Director Heath Slee Electoral Area B Director Jane Walter Electoral Area E Director Wendy Booth Electoral Area F Director Gerry Wilkie Electoral Area G Director Wayne Stetski City of Cranbrook Director Bob Whetham City of Cranbrook Director Mary Giuliano City of Fernie Director Ron McRae City of Kimberley Director Dean McKerracher District of Elkford Director Gerry Taft District of Invermere Director Lois Halko District of Sparwood Director Ute Juras Village of Canal Flats Director Dee Conklin Village of Radium Hot Springs
STAFF Lee-Ann Crane CAO / Corporate Officer Shannon Moskal Deputy Corporate Officer Connie Thom Executive Assistant (Recording Secretary)
Chair Rob Gay called the meeting to order at 9:00 am.
Lee-Ann Crane, Chief Administrative Officer, introduced Kris Belanger, Planner.
ADOPTION OF AGENDA
44849 MOVED by Director McKerracher Agenda SECONDED by Director Whetham
THAT the agenda for the RDEK Board of Directors meeting be adopted. CARRIED
ADOPTION OF MINUTES
44850 MOVED by Director Sosnowski Minutes SECONDED by Director Stetski
THAT the Minutes of the RDEK Board of Directors meeting held on September 5, 2014 be adopted as circulated. CARRIED
INVITED PRESENTATION
Columbia Basin Trust 2013/2014 Annual Report
Neil Muth, President and Chief Executive Officer of Columbia Basin Trust (CBT), presented CBT’s 2013 / 2014 Annual Report. Included in the presentation were highlights on projects and initiatives, a snapshot of their investment portfolio, and a summary of their financial statements.
CORRESPONDENCE
44851 MOVED by Director Giuliano Industry Canada SECONDED by Director Walter 3500 MHz band
THAT a letter be sent to Industry Canada expressing concern with the implications of the proposed policy changes in the 3500 MHz band. CARRIED
RDEK BOARD MEETING October 3, 2014 MINUTES PAGE 2
PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT SERVICES COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
44852 MOVED by Director Slee Jaffray / Bolen SECONDED by Director Gay ALR Subdivision
THAT the Agricultural Land Commission be advised the RDEK supports the Bolen ALR subdivision application for property at 2549 Highway 3/93 in Jaffray subject to a life estate agreement, a binding of titles covenant and fencing of the property as offered. CARRIED
44853 MOVED by Director Slee DVP No. 18-14 SECONDED by Director Sosnowski Granted
THAT Development Variance Permit No. 18-14 to vary the regulations for structures permitted within a campground space to permit a roof structure over an RV for Site #6 in the My Tie Campground located at 6374 Tie Lake Shore Road North in the Jaffray area be granted. CARRIED OPPOSED: Director Wilkie
44854 MOVED by Director Sosnowski DVP No. 19-14 SECONDED by Director McKerracher Granted
THAT Development Variance Permit No. 19-14 to reduce the minimum front yard setback from 7.5 m to 4.5 m and to increase the maximum permitted height from 5.0 m to 7.11 m for a proposed accessory building on the Mallabone property at 515 Lakeview Road in Windermere be granted. CARRIED
44855 MOVED by Director Wilkie DVP No. 21-14 SECONDED by Director Conklin Granted
THAT Development Variance Permit No. 21-14 to reduce the rear yard setback from 7.5 m to 6.0 m and to reduce the side yard setback from 7.5 m to 4.5 m for future development on the Hoffman property at Windermere Loop Road be granted. CARRIED
44856 MOVED by Director Stetski Agricultural Plan SECONDED by Director Walter Adopted
THAT the Agricultural Plan dated October 2014 be adopted. CARRIED OPPOSED: Director Gay Director Slee
44857 MOVED by Director Stetski DVP No. 20-14 SECONDED by Director Slee Granted
THAT Development Variance Permit No. 20-14 to reduce the side yard setback from 1.5 m to 1.09 m for additions to a single family dwelling on the Wallis and Barr property at 541 Lakeview Place in Windermere be granted. CARRIED
RDEK BOARD MEETING October 3, 2014 MINUTES PAGE 3
PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT SERVICES COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS (continued)
44858 MOVED by Director Walter Area E / Kimberley Trails Society SECONDED by Director McRae MFLNRO Referral
THAT the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations be advised the RDEK supports the Kimberley Trails Society application for non-motorized trail in the Bootleg Mountain, Marysville area. CARRIED
44859 MOVED by Director Juras Lot Averaging Amendment SECONDED by Director Gay Upper CV Zoning Bylaw
THAT the bylaw amendment process to include provisions to establish a permitted average lot size to be created by subdivision within the Upper Columbia Valley Zoning Bylaw, be initiated in 2014. CARRIED
44860 MOVED by Director Walter Medical Marihuana Discussion Paper & SECONDED by Director Gay Proposed Bylaw Standards
THAT the Ministry of Agriculture be advised that the RDEK supports the development of a bylaw standard for the regulation of medical marihuana productions facilities as outlined in the September 2014 Discussion Paper. CARRIED
GOVERNANCE & REGIONAL SERVICES COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
44861 MOVED by Director McRae Cheque Register SECONDED by Director Halko
THAT the cheque register for the RDEK General Account for September 2014 in the amount of $1,318,614.33 be approved as paid. CARRIED
44862 MOVED by Director Booth Kootenay Booth SECONDED by Director Stetski Letter of Support
THAT a letter of support be provided to Columbia Power Corporation for Audrey Repins’ continued commitment to the Kootenay Booth. CARRIED
44863 MOVED by Director Walter Kootenay Booth SECONDED by Director Booth Letter of Thanks
THAT a letter be sent to Mayor Anne Henderson thanking her for all of the work she has done to ensure the success of the Kootenay Booth. CARRIED
44864 MOVED by Director Taft CBT / Nomination SECONDED by Director Halko Board of Directors Representative
THAT Director Wendy Booth be nominated as the RDEK representative to Columbia Basin Trust Board of Directors. CARRIED
RDEK BOARD MEETING October 3, 2014 MINUTES PAGE 4
GOVERNANCE & REGIONAL SERVICES COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS (continued)
44865 MOVED by Director Stetski Regional Sustainability Strategy SECONDED by Director Walter Adoption
THAT the Regional Sustainability Strategy dated October 3, 2014 be adopted, and further that the Regional Growth Strategy adopted on January 9, 2004, be repealed. CARRIED
44866 MOVED by Director McKerracher Public Hearing Procedures SECONDED by Director Halko 2015 Strategic Priorities
THAT consideration of amendment to the Development Application Bylaw regarding procedures and conduct at public hearings, and the Procedure Bylaw regarding procedures and conduct at public meetings, be referred to the 2015 strategic priority process. CARRIED
44867 MOVED by Director Taft Community Directed Funds SECONDED by Director McKerracher Administration
THAT the September 26, 2014 staff report regarding Community Directed Funds Administration be referred to the Community Directed Funds Committees for comment. CARRIED
44868 MOVED by Director Slee BDO Canada SECONDED by Director Wilkie Auditors
THAT BDO Canada be appointed as auditors for the Regional District of East Kootenay for three years ending December 31, 2016. CARRIED
ELECTORAL AREA SERVICES COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
44869 MOVED by Director Gay Discretionary Grants in Aid SECONDED by Director Walter Approved
THAT the following discretionary grants in aid be approved: Recipient Area A Area C Area G Total
Royal Canadian Legion Michel-Natal Branch 81 – $45 $45 Poppy Campaign Royal Canadian Legion Fernie Branch 36 – Poppy $45 $45 Campaign Community Connections Society of Southeast BC – $1,500 $1,500 Family First Night Cranbrook Canadian Mental Health Association – Annual $1,500 $1,500 Community Christmas Dinner Recreation Sites and Trails BC – Forster Creek Trail $1,000 $1,000 Host Royal Canadian Legion $75 $75 Edgewater Branch 199 – Poppy Campaign CARRIED
RDEK BOARD MEETING October 3, 2014 MINUTES PAGE 5
ELECTORAL AREA SERVICES COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION (continued)
Director Wendy Booth declared a conflict of interest with the next item and noted that she is a shareholder in the Dutch Creek Utility Company and left the meeting at 9:31 am.
44870 MOVED by Director Gay Dutch Creek Utility Co. SECONDED by Director Walter Water System / 2015 Strategic Priorities
THAT the Dutch Creek Utility Company Limited request to begin the process to take over their water system be referred to the 2015 strategic priority setting process. CARRIED
Director Wendy Booth returned to the meeting at 9:32 am.
44871 MOVED by Director Wilkie Spur Valley / Edgewater SECONDED by Director Slee Water System Upgrade Funding Extension
THAT the RDEK apply to the Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development for a one (1) year extension to March 31, 2016 of the British Columbia Community Water Improvement Program funding for the Spur Valley Improvement District and Edgewater Water System Upgrade Projects. CARRIED
44872 MOVED by Director Booth Community Works Funds SECONDED by Director Walter Cold Spring Creek
THAT $25,000 of Community Works funds be allocated to the Cold Spring Creek Debris Flow Hazard and Risk Assessment. CARRIED
44873 MOVED by Director Slee Fire Services Mutual Aid SECONDED by Director Walter Agreement / City of Fernie
THAT the Chair and CAO be authorized to sign the amended Fire Services Mutual Aid Agreement with the City of Fernie for a five year term ending October 14, 2019. CARRIED
ELK VALLEY SERVICES COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
44874 MOVED by Director Halko Old Elkford Landfill SECONDED by Director McKerracher Licence of Occupation
THAT the Chair and CAO be authorized to sign the Licence of Occupation with the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations for the Old Elkford Landfill. CARRIED
RDEK BOARD MEETING October 3, 2014 MINUTES PAGE 6
CENTRAL SERVICES COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
44875 MOVED by Director Gay Central Landfill Operations Contract SECONDED by Director Stetski Southeast Contracting Ltd.
THAT the bid submitted by Southeast Contracting Ltd. for the Central Landfill Operations Contract be accepted and the Chair and CAO be authorized to sign a five year agreement with Southeast Contracting Ltd. CARRIED
BYLAWS
44876 MOVED by Director Slee Bylaw No. 2523 SECONDED by Director Sosnowski Adoption
THAT Bylaw No. 2523 cited as “Regional District of East Kootenay – Baynes Lake Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 2319, 2011 – Amendment Bylaw No. 4, 2014 (Sharpe Road / Seaborn)” be adopted. CARRIED OPPOSED: Director Halko
44877 MOVED by Director Slee Bylaw No. 2524 SECONDED by Director Sosnowski Adoption
THAT Bylaw No. 2524 cited as “Regional District of East Kootenay – South Country Zoning & Floodplain Management Bylaw No. 2320, 2011 – Amendment Bylaw No. 6, 2014 (Sharpe Road / Seaborn)” be adopted. CARRIED OPPOSED: Director Halko
44878 MOVED by Director Sosnowski Bylaw No. 2532 SECONDED by Director Giuliano Public Hearing Report
THAT the Public Hearing Report for Bylaw No. 2532, as submitted by Director Mike Sosnowski, be accepted. CARRIED
44879 MOVED by Director Halko Bylaw No. 2532 SECONDED by Director Stetski Postpone
THAT Bylaw No. 2532 cited as “Regional District of East Kootenay – Elk Valley Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 2532, 2014” be postponed one month and referred to staff to amend the industrial and commercial uses as outlined in the District of Sparwood legal opinion. DEFEATED IN FAVOUR: Director Halko Director Stetski Director Whetham Director McKerracher
44879.1 MOVED by Director Sosnowski Bylaw No. 2532 SECONDED by Director Giuliano Third Reading
THAT Bylaw No. 2532 cited as “Regional District of East Kootenay – Elk Valley Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 2532, 2014” as amended, be read a third time. CARRIED OPPOSED: Director Halko Director Stetski Director Whetham Director McKerracher
RDEK BOARD MEETING October 3, 2014 MINUTES PAGE 7
BYLAWS (continued)
44880 MOVED by Director Sosnowski Bylaw No. 2532 SECONDED by Director Juras Adoption
THAT Bylaw No. 2532 cited as “Regional District of East Kootenay – Elk Valley Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 2532, 2014” be adopted. CARRIED OPPOSED: Director Halko Director Stetski Director Whetham Director McKerracher
44881 MOVED by Director Walter Bylaw No. 2535 SECONDED by Director Slee Public Hearing Report
THAT the Public Hearing Report for Bylaw No. 2535, as submitted by Director Jane Walter, be accepted. CARRIED
44882 MOVED by Director Walter Bylaw No. 2535 SECONDED by Director Slee Third Reading
THAT Bylaw No. 2535 cited as “Regional District of East Kootenay – Electoral Area E Zoning & Floodplain Management Bylaw No. 2502, 2014 – Amendment Bylaw No. 3, 2014 (Meadowbrook / Bannister)” be read a third time and submitted for required approval. CARRIED
44883 MOVED by Director Booth Bylaw No. 2536 SECONDED by Director Conklin Adoption
THAT Bylaw No. 2536 cited as “Regional District of East Kootenay – Windermere Fire Protection Local Service Establishment Bylaw, 1991 – Amendment Bylaw No. 5, 2014” be adopted. CARRIED
44884 MOVED by Director Sosnowski Bylaw No. 2537 SECONDED by Director Slee Public Hearing Report
THAT the Public Hearing Report for Bylaw No. 2537, as submitted by Director Mike Sosnowski, be accepted. CARRIED
44885 MOVED by Director Sosnowski Bylaw No. 2537 SECONDED by Director Slee Third Reading
THAT Bylaw No. 2537 cited as “Regional District of East Kootenay – Elk Valley Zoning Bylaw No. 829, 1990 – Amendment Bylaw No. 69, 2014 (Medical Marihuana / RDEK)” be read a third time and submitted for required approval. CARRIED
44886 MOVED by Director Slee Bylaws 2538, 2539, 2540 & 2541 SECONDED by Director Sosnowski Public Hearing Report
THAT the Public Hearing Report for Bylaw No. 2538, Bylaw No. 2539, Bylaw No. 2540, and Bylaw No. 2541, as submitted by Director Heath Slee, be accepted. CARRIED
RDEK BOARD MEETING October 3, 2014 MINUTES PAGE 8
BYLAWS (continued)
44887 MOVED by Director Slee Bylaw No. 2538 SECONDED by Director Sosnowski Third Reading
THAT Bylaw No. 2538 cited as “Regional District of East Kootenay – Jaffray, Tie Lake, Rosen Lake Land Use and Floodplain Management Bylaw No. 1414, 1999 – Amendment Bylaw No. 22, 2014 (Medical Marihuana / RDEK)” be read a third time and submitted for required approval. CARRIED
44888 MOVED by Director Slee Bylaw No. 2539 SECONDED by Director Sosnowski Third Reading THAT Bylaw No. 2539 cited as “Regional District of East Kootenay – Lake Koocanusa Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 2432, 2013 – Amendment Bylaw No. 1, 2014 (Medical Marihuana / RDEK)” be read a third time. CARRIED
44889 MOVED by Director Slee Bylaw No. 2539 SECONDED by Director Sosnowski Adoption
THAT Bylaw No. 2539 cited as “Regional District of East Kootenay – Lake Koocanusa Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 2432, 2013 – Amendment Bylaw No. 1, 2014 (Medical Marihuana / RDEK)” be adopted. CARRIED
44890 MOVED by Director Slee Bylaw No. 2540 SECONDED by Director Sosnowski Third Reading
THAT Bylaw No. 2540 cited as “Regional District of East Kootenay – Baynes Lake Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 2319, 2011 – Amendment Bylaw No. 5, 2014 (Medical Marihuana / RDEK)” be read a third time. CARRIED
44891 MOVED by Director Slee Bylaw No. 2540 SECONDED by Director Sosnowski Adoption
THAT Bylaw No. 2540 cited as “Regional District of East Kootenay – Baynes Lake Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 2319, 2011 – Amendment Bylaw No. 5, 2014 (Medical Marihuana / RDEK)” be adopted. CARRIED
44892 MOVED by Director Slee Bylaw No. 2541 SECONDED by Director Sosnowski Third Reading
THAT Bylaw No. 2541 cited as “Regional District of East Kootenay – South Country Zoning & Floodplain Management Bylaw No. 2320, 2011 – Amendment Bylaw No. 7, 2014 (Medical Marihuana / RDEK)” be read a third time and submitted for required approval. CARRIED
RDEK BOARD MEETING October 3, 2014 MINUTES PAGE 9
BYLAWS (continued)
44893 MOVED by Director Stetski Bylaws 2542, 2543, 2544 & 2545 SECONDED by Director Whetham Public Hearing Report
THAT the Public Hearing Report for Bylaw No. 2542, Bylaw No. 2543, Bylaw No. 2544, and Bylaw No. 2545, as submitted by Director Wayne Stetski, be accepted. CARRIED
44894 MOVED by Director Stetski Bylaw No. 2542 SECONDED by Director Whetham Third Reading
THAT Bylaw No. 2542 cited as “Regional District of East Kootenay – Cranbrook Rural Zoning Bylaw No. 1402, 2001 – Amendment Bylaw No. 33, 2014 (Medical Marihuana / RDEK)” be read a third time and submitted for required approval. CARRIED
44895 MOVED by Director Stetski Bylaw No. 2543 SECONDED by Director Slee Third Reading
THAT Bylaw No. 2543 cited as “Regional District of East Kootenay – Moyie & Area Land Use Bylaw No. 2070, 2008 – Amendment Bylaw No. 7, 2014 (Medical Marihuana / RDEK)” be read a third time and submitted for required approval. CARRIED
44896 MOVED by Director Walter Bylaw No. 2544 SECONDED by Director Slee Third Reading
THAT Bylaw No. 2544 cited as “Regional District of East Kootenay – Rockyview Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 2255, 2010 – Amendment Bylaw No. 12, 2014 (Medical Marihuana / RDEK)” be read a third time. CARRIED
44897 MOVED by Director Whetham Bylaw No. 2544 SECONDED by Director McKerracher Adoption
THAT Bylaw No. 2544 cited as “Regional District of East Kootenay – Rockyview Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 2255, 2010 – Amendment Bylaw No. 12, 2014 (Medical Marihuana / RDEK)” be adopted. CARRIED
44898 MOVED by Director Walter Bylaw No. 2545 SECONDED by Director Slee Third Reading
THAT Bylaw No. 2545 cited as “Regional District of East Kootenay – Wycliffe Zoning and Floodplain Management Bylaw No. 2256, 2010 – Amendment Bylaw No. 7, 2014 (Medical Marihuana / RDEK)” be read a third time and submitted for required approval. CARRIED
RDEK BOARD MEETING October 3, 2014 MINUTES PAGE 10
BYLAWS (continued)
44899 MOVED by Director Booth Bylaws 2546, 2547, 2548 & 2549 SECONDED by Director McKerracher Public Hearing Report
THAT the Public Hearing Report for Bylaw No. 2546, Bylaw No. 2547, Bylaw No. 2548, and Bylaw No. 2549, as submitted by Director Wendy Booth, be accepted. CARRIED
44900 MOVED by Director Wilkie Bylaw No. 2546 SECONDED by Director Conklin Third Reading
THAT Bylaw No. 2546 cited as “Regional District of East Kootenay – Steamboat-Jubilee Mountain Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 1926, 2006 – Amendment Bylaw No. 9, 2014 (Medical Marihuana / RDEK)” be read a third time. CARRIED
44901 MOVED by Director Wilkie Bylaw No. 2546 SECONDED by Director Conklin Adoption
THAT Bylaw No. 2546 cited as “Regional District of East Kootenay – Steamboat-Jubilee Mountain Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 1926, 2006 – Amendment Bylaw No. 9, 2014 (Medical Marihuana / RDEK)” be adopted. CARRIED
44902 MOVED by Director Booth Bylaw No. 2547 SECONDED by Director Juras Third Reading
THAT Bylaw No. 2547 cited as “Regional District of East Kootenay – Lake Windermere Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 2061, 2008 – Amendment Bylaw No. 17, 2014 (Medical Marihuana / RDEK)” be read a third time. CARRIED
44903 MOVED by Director Booth Bylaw No. 2547 SECONDED by Director Stetski Adoption
THAT Bylaw No. 2547 cited as “Regional District of East Kootenay – Lake Windermere Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 2061, 2008 – Amendment Bylaw No. 17, 2014 (Medical Marihuana / RDEK)” be adopted. CARRIED
44904 MOVED by Director Walter Bylaw No. 2548 SECONDED by Director Wilkie Third Reading
THAT Bylaw No. 2548 cited as “Regional District of East Kootenay – Upper Columbia Valley Zoning Bylaw No. 900, 1992 – Amendment Bylaw No. 293, 2014 (Medical Marihuana / RDEK)” be read a third time and submitted for required approval. CARRIED
RDEK BOARD MEETING October 3, 2014 MINUTES PAGE 11
BYLAWS (continued)
44905 MOVED by Director Booth Bylaw No. 2549 SECONDED by Director McKerracher Third Reading
THAT Bylaw No. 2549 cited as “Regional District of East Kootenay – Fairmont Hot Springs Area Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 1734, 2004 – Amendment Bylaw No. 25, 2014 (Medical Marihuana / RDEK)” be read a third time. CARRIED
44906 MOVED by Director Booth Bylaw No. 2549 SECONDED by Director McKerracher Adoption
THAT Bylaw No. 2549 cited as “Regional District of East Kootenay – Fairmont Hot Springs Area Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 1734, 2004 – Amendment Bylaw No. 25, 2014 (Medical Marihuana / RDEK)” be adopted. CARRIED
44907 MOVED by Director Walter Bylaw No. 2550 SECONDED by Director Slee Public Hearing Report
THAT the Public Hearing Report for Bylaw No. 2550, as submitted by Director Jane Walter, be accepted. CARRIED
44908 MOVED by Director Walter Bylaw No. 2550 SECONDED by Director Stetski Third Reading
THAT Bylaw No. 2550 cited as “Regional District of East Kootenay – Wasa and Area Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 2501, 2014 – Amendment Bylaw No. 1, 2014 (Miscellaneous / RDEK)” be read a third time. CARRIED
44909 MOVED by Director McKerracher Bylaw No. 2550 SECONDED by Director Walter Adoption
THAT Bylaw No. 2550 cited as “Regional District of East Kootenay – Wasa and Area Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 2501, 2014 – Amendment Bylaw No. 1, 2014 (Miscellaneous / RDEK)” be adopted. CARRIED
The meeting recessed at 10:00 am and reconvened at 10:19 am.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 10:45 am.
CERTIFIED CORRECT
Chair Rob C. Gay Lee-Ann Crane, Corporate Officer
MINUTES OF THE REGIONAL DISTRICT OF EAST KOOTENAY CENTRAL EAST KOOTENAY COMMUNITY DIRECTED FUNDS COMMITTEE MEETING HELD AT THE REGIONAL DISTRICT OFFICE IN CRANBROOK ON OCTOBER 16, 2014
PRESENT Committee Chair Heath Slee Electoral Area B Director Jane Walter Electoral Area E Director Bob Whetham City of Cranbrook Director Wayne Stetski City of Cranbrook Director Ron McRae City of Kimberley Astrid Bolter Community Member Bob Johnstone Community Member
TELECONFERENCE Craig Hillman Community Member
ABSENT Director Rob Gay Electoral Area C Carly Eldred Community Member Jodi Gravelle Ktunaxa Nation – St. Mary’s Band Tania Brewer Ktunaxa Nation – Tobacco Plains
COLUMBIA BASIN TRUST Jennifer Krotz Community Liaison Wayne Lundeberg Director, Planning & Evaluation and Acting Director, Community Initiatives STAFF Andrew McLeod Special Initiatives
Committee Chair Heath Slee called the meeting to order at 3:10 pm.
ADOPTION OF AGENDA
MOVED by Director Stetski Agenda SECONDED by Astrid Bolter
THAT the agenda for the Central East Kootenay Community Directed Funds Committee meeting be adopted. CARRIED
ADOPTION OF MINUTES
MOVED by Director Walter Minutes SECONDED by Director Stetski
THAT the Minutes of the Central East Kootenay Community Directed Funds Committee meeting held on September 11, 2014 be adopted as circulated. CARRIED
NEW BUSINESS
Craig Hillman joined by phone at 3:16 pm.
Community Directed Funds MOVED by Bob Johnstone Administration SECONDED by Astrid Bolter
THAT the RDEK continue with the administration of the Central East Kootenay Community Directed Funds Program. CARRIED
The Committee noted that additional clarity from the RDEK Board regarding what level of resources will be provided to the program is required.
CENTRAL EAST KOOTENAY COMMUNITY DIRECTED FUNDS COMMITTEE October 16, 2014 MINUTES PAGE 2
NEW BUSINESS (continued)
Community Directed Funds Committee MOVED by Bob Johnstone Membership SECONDED by Director Walter
THAT the RDEK Board continue to appoint Directors to the Central East Kootenay Community Directed Funds Committee. CARRIED
2015 Meeting Schedule MOVED by Director Whetham SECONDED by Bob Johnstone
THAT the Central East Kootenay Community Directed Funds Committee meetings for 2015 be scheduled as follows: February May August November Dates to be determined CARRIED
Craig Hillman left the meeting at 3:55 pm.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 4:00 pm.
CERTIFIED CORRECT
Committee Chair Heath Slee Andrew McLeod, Special Initiatives
MINUTES OF THE REGIONAL DISTRICT OF EAST KOOTENAY COLUMBIA VALLEY COMMUNITY DIRECTED FUNDS COMMITTEE MEETING HELD AT THE WINDERMERE FIRE HALL ON OCTOBER 27, 2014
PRESENT Committee Chair Wendy Booth Electoral Area F Director Gerry Wilkie Electoral Area G Director Gerry Taft District of Invermere Director Ute Juras Village of Canal Flats Director Dee Conklin Village of Radium Hot Springs Craig Knapp Community Member Rick Thompson Community Member
TELECONFERENCE John Rouse Community Member
ABSENT Melanie Sam Community Member
COLUMBIA BASIN TRUST Katherine Hamilton CBT Representative
STAFF Andrew McLeod Special Initiatives Connie Thom Executive Assistant (Recording Secretary)
Committee Chair Wendy Booth called the meeting to order at 10:33 am.
ADOPTION OF AGENDA
MOVED by Director Juras Agenda SECONDED by Director Conklin
THAT the agenda for the Columbia Valley Community Directed Funds Committee meeting be adopted. CARRIED
ADOPTION OF MINUTES
MOVED by Craig Knapp Minutes SECONDED by Director Wilkie
THAT the Minutes of the Columbia Valley Community Directed Funds Committee meeting held on September 8, 2014 be adopted as circulated. CARRIED
INVITED PRESENTATION
Lyle Wilson, President, Toby Creek Nordic Ski Club, requested funding to purchase a piece of maintenance equipment that will effectively be able to plow, sweep and maintain the Lake Windermere Whiteway. Mr. Wilson stated there is an ever increasing public expectation to have a well groomed trail and that the Whiteway has been tremendously successful, which has benefited the entire Columbia Valley by drawing people to the area for exercise and winter recreation.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Toby Creek Nordic Ski Club MOVED by Director Wilkie Maintenance Equipment SECONDED by Director Conklin
THAT the Toby Creek Nordic Ski Club be granted $15,000 for the purchase of maintenance equipment for the Lake Windermere Whiteway. CARRIED
COLUMBIA VALLEY COMMUNITY DIRECTED FUNDS COMMITTEE October 27, 2014 MINUTES PAGE 2
UNFINISHED BUSINESS (continued)
Columbia Valley Visitor Service
Director Booth reported her progress on presenting the Columbia Valley Visitor Centre Operations and Future Coordination Report and shared comments received from the municipalities and other stakeholders.
Community Member John Rouse joined by phone at 11:28 am.
NEW BUSINESS
CV Chamber of Commerce MOVED by Director Juras Building Renovations SECONDED by Director Taft
THAT the Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce be invited to attend an upcoming Columbia Valley Community Directed Funds Committee meeting to present on the Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce Building Renovations project. CARRIED
Invermere District Curling Club MOVED by Director Taft Website SECONDED by Director Juras
THAT the Invermere District Curling Club be granted $2,000 for the Club’s website project. CARRIED
The meeting recessed at 11:55 am and reconvened at 12:27 pm. Committee Member John Rouse joined by phone at 12:36 pm.
Community Directed Funds Program MOVED by Director Booth Administration SECONDED by Director Conklin
THAT the Directors from the District of Invermere, Village of Canal Flats, and Village of Radium Hot Springs inquire with municipal staff regarding providing administrative support to the Columbia Valley Community Directed Funds Program. CARRIED
MOVED by Director Booth 2015 Meeting Schedule SECONDED by Craig Knapp
THAT Columbia Valley Community Directed Funds Committee meetings for 2015 be scheduled as follows: January, April, July, and October; and further, that the meetings be held in the Columbia Valley on the third Monday of the month. CARRIED
Columbia Valley MOVED by Director Conklin Branding and Marketing SECONDED by Rick Thompson
THAT a one day facilitated discussion with Columbia Valley marketing and branding stakeholders be held before the end of 2014 at a cost not to exceed $10,000. CARRIED
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 2:25 pm. The Chair advised that the remaining items would be discussed at the next meeting.
CERTIFIED CORRECT
Committee Chair Wendy Booth Andrew McLeod, Special Initiatives
MINUTES OF THE REGIONAL DISTRICT OF EAST KOOTENAY ELK VALLEY COMMUNITY DIRECTED FUNDS COMMITTEE MEETING HELD AT FERNIE CITY HALL ON OCTOBER 17, 2014
PRESENT Committee Chair Mary Giuliano City of Fernie Director Mike Sosnowski Electoral Area A Director Dean McKerracher District of Elkford Director Lois Halko District of Sparwood Dan Savage Community Representative John Baher Community Representative Troy Tobin Community Representative
ABSENT Michael Hepher Community Representative
COLUMBIA BASIN TRUST Jennifer Krotz Community Liaison Wayne Lundeberg Director, Planning & Evaluation and Acting Director, Community Initiatives
STAFF Andrew McLeod Special Initiatives
Committee Chair Mary Giuliano called the meeting to order at 9:00 am.
ADOPTION OF AGENDA
MOVED by Director Sosnowski Agenda SECONDED by Director Halko
THAT the agenda for the Elk Valley Community Directed Funds Committee meeting be adopted. CARRIED
ADOPTION OF MINUTES
MOVED by John Baher Minutes SECONDED by Director Halko
THAT the Minutes of the Elk Valley Community Directed Funds Committee meeting held on September 19, 2014 be adopted as circulated. CARRIED
NEW BUSINESS
Troy Tobin arrived at 9:05 am.
Community Directed Funds Program MOVED by John Baher Administration SECONDED by Director Sosnowski
THAT the Elk Valley Community Directed Funds Committee investigate hiring a consultant to deliver the Community Directed Funds Program, and that possible partnerships with the other Community Directed Funds Programs be explored DEFEATED
Community Directed Funds MOVED by Director Sosnowski Administration SECONDED by John Baher
THAT the Elk Valley Community Directed Funds Committee supports investigating other options for the administration of the Community Directed Funds Programs including hiring a consultant, hiring additional staff, or partnering with Columbia Basin Trust to share administrative duties. CARRIED
ELK VALLEY COMMUNITY DIRECTED FUNDS COMMITTEE October 17, 2014 MINUTES PAGE 2
NEW BUSINESS (continued)
Terms of Reference MOVED by Director Halko Amendment SECONDED by Director Sosnowski
THAT the Elk Valley Community Directed Funds Committee Terms of Reference be amended to provide remuneration to community members at the same rate as RDEK Directors. CARRIED OPPOSED: Dan Savage Troy Tobin
2015 Meeting Schedule MOVED by Director Sosnowski SECONDED by John Baher
THAT the Elk Valley Community Directed Funds Committee meetings for 2015 be scheduled as follows: March, June, September, and December, dates to be determined; and further, that the meetings be held in Fernie. CARRIED
Fernie Trails Alliance MOVED by Director Sosnowski Trans Canada Trail Funding SECONED by Dan Savage
THAT the issue of the grant funding to the Fernie Trails Alliance for the Trans Canada Trail be deferred to the next Elk Valley Community Directed Funds Committee meeting. DEFEATED IN FAVOUR: Dan Savage Director Sosnowski Director Giuliano
Fernie Trails Alliance MOVED by Director McKerracher Trans Canada Trail Funding SECONDED by John Baher
THAT the September 19, 2014 funding grants awarded to the Fernie Trails Alliance be rescinded; and further, that the Fernie Trails Alliance be advised that their request for funding to construct a portion of the Trans Canada Trail between Cokato and Hosmer is not supported at this time. CARRIED OPPOSED: Dan Savage Director Sosnowski Director Giuliano
AJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 10:13 am.
CERTIFIED CORRECT
Committee Chair Mary Giuliano Andrew McLeod, Special Initiatives
2013/14 Annual Report VALUES TABLE OF CONTENTS THE BOARD: • acts on behalf of the public’s interest, not of any single group; CHAIR’S MESSAGE 2 SPECIAL PROJECTS 20 • is straightforward in its approach; WHAT WE DO 4 APPEALS 26
• emphasizes solutions over assigning blame; THE BOARD 6 COMMUNICATION 28 • behaves in a non-adversarial, balanced manner; AUDITS 7 FINANCIAL REPORT 30 • treats all people with respect, fairness and sensitivity; COMPLAINTS 12 • performs in a measured, unbiased and non-partisan manner; • carries out its mandate with integrity and efficiency; • provides clear and concise reports to the public; • bases actions and decisions on knowledge, experience and common sense; and • is accessible and accountable. VISION Forests that are managed to sustain the full range of forest values and forest resources for British Columbians.
MISSION The Board serves the public interest as the independent watchdog for sound forest and range practices in British Columbia. CHAIR’S MESSAGE
The Forest Practices working. Early observations indicate there is room for in terms of providing timber supply while managing I am proud to say the Forest Practices Board continues Board prepares annual improvement in areas, such as government objectives, cumulative impacts on the landscape; addressing to be viewed as an independent, credible and relevant reports to inform the FRPA plans, practice requirements, professional the interests of other resource users; managing for organization. The challenge for Board members, our BC public of what we reliance and effectiveness feedback loops. To support endangered species, features and ecosystems; and the dedicated staff and me is how we will continue to do, what we have done this report, the Board produced a series of bulletins efficacy of FRPA. add value to our oversight work, drive improvements and what we have that highlight key FRPA issues, such as public and find solutions. Your comments, suggestions and In 2014/15 the Board will continue to monitor and found over the past involvement in forest planning, professional reliance, concerns are always appreciated. report on forest practices results in order to: year. While each Board the role of oversight and managing cumulative effects. report produced during These bulletins are designed to stimulate discussion • ensure compliance with forest legislation the year is a stand-alone and provide contextual support to the Board report because it’s the law; comment on the state on FRPA. • push for improvements in forest legislation of forest and range The Board continues to see consistent compliance because we must; and practices, it is the rolling with forest practice law by major licensees—the up of all that work into • foster leadership through identification of large public and private forest companies that hold an annual report that really provides the public with innovative practices in forest management. long-term timber tenures. However, there are lingering Timothy S. Ryan, RPF an independent, fact-based assessment of how well areas of improvement that require attention, such I have spent the first five months in my role as Board BC is doing in achieving sound forest practices and Chair as those identified in the Board’s special report on Chair meeting with the many stakeholders and forest stewardship. bridge planning, design and construction. As well, individuals whose work and interests intersect with Though the Board’s oversight mandate is limited while audits of the BC Timber Sales program continue those of the Board, including representatives from to forest and range practices legislation, which to demonstrate improved compliance by the program government, industry, First Nations, environmental encompasses mostly industrial forestry and range staff, many areas of improvement still remain on organizations, professional associations and more. activities, on occasion it has the opportunity to the licensee side. In general, the Board has found I have been impressed to see that government and report on other major land uses such as transmission that smaller licensees tend to have more compliance industry use the Board’s work to improve forest lines, hydro-electric development and oil and gas problems, as these licensees typically do not yet legislation, policy and practices, as well as to inform exploration. The Board welcomes the opportunity to have management systems in place to aid in markets. Local, regional, national and international provide public oversight on other land uses that affect achieving compliance. parties and professionals also reference and value forest resources. the Board’s work. The Board’s work on timber harvesting in beetle- In 2013, the Board began preparing a special report affected areas highlighted that, in some areas of the BC on the 10-year-old Forest and Range Practices Act interior, the salvage of beetle-killed timber is beginning (FRPA), the key piece of legislation governing forest and to decrease and the move to green timber harvesting range activities on BC’s public land, and how well it is is drawing closer. This will be a very challenging time
2 FOREST PRACTICES BOARD 2013/14 ANNUAL REPORT 3 WHAT WE DO
Conducting audits and special investigations and AUDITS The Board investigates, reports and makes SPECIAL PROJECTS publishing independent public reports. One of the main ways the Board gathers information is recommendations—it has no power to direct Special investigations are conducted by the Board to companies, individuals or government agencies to carry The Board provides the public with objective through its random, field-based audits. deal with resource management-related matters that out any actions, though Board reports are considered are of interest to the province as a whole, as opposed information about the state of forest and range Audits can be: to be directional by policy makers. If a complainant practices, validates sound practices and recommends to audits and complaints which are more targeted. • limited scope compliance (specific areas requires direct action, he or she must take their concern improvements based on direct field observation, Special reports are issued by the Board when we or practices); to the responsible organization or agency first; the consultation and research. Board’s role is more one of investigation, assessment wish to comment publicly on a matter, or if it’s been • full scope compliance; and problem solving after other avenues have been determined that an in-depth special investigation is Conducting complaint investigations and • enforcement-based; or explored. Board staff may, however, be able to help not necessary. administrative appeals. with identifying agencies or companies relevant • they can examine any aspect or combination of to specific concerns, as they have comprehensive The Board provides a venue to address public APPEALS aspects of forest practice. knowledge of those involved in forestry and range use complaints regarding forest and range practices. The Board can appeal decisions made by government The results of audits are published in public reports. and management. officials, such as determinations of noncompliance, Audits examine and provide assurance on whether Core business areas arise from the Board’s legislated penalties or approvals of plans for forestry or range forest practices are achieving government’s mandate. The Forest and Range Practices Act and the operations. Appeals can either be generated by public legislative requirements. Wildfire Act state that the Board: request or initiated by the Board, which is charged with • must carry out periodic independent audits to being an advocate for the public interest and can put determine compliance and the appropriateness COMPLAINTS forward a position on the matter. The Board can also become party to appeals launched by others (such as of government enforcement; The Board can investigate complaints related to forest licensees) in order to make submissions on the case. • may carry out special investigations; and range activities occurring on Crown land, such as planning; practices; protection of resources, including Appeals are made to the independent Forest Appeals • may make a special report and comment publicly; recreational; and licensee compliance with government Commission. The Commission makes the final • must deal with complaints from the public; and enforcement of legislation. It cannot deal with decision on appeals and those determinations are complaints related to private property (except in tree legally binding. • may undertake appeals. farm licences and woodlots), awarding of licences or Functions are performed by professional staff other forest related legislation. and contractors under the guidance of the independent Board.
4 FOREST PRACTICES BOARD 2013/14 ANNUAL REPORT 5 THE BOARD AUDITS
SUMMARY OF AUDIT RESULTS This year marked a significant change to the Timothy Ryan was appointed Chair on December 20 composition of the Board. Chair Al Gorley and the new Vice-Chair is Dr. William McGill. completed his term in December, as did part-time Currently the Board consists of seven members: board member and Vice-Chair, Dr. Rachel Holt. 12 6 11 2 audit clean significant areas of reports audits non-compliances improvement
ACTIVITIES AUDITED IN THE FIELD
ACTIVITY POPULATION SAMPLED
Harvesting (# of blocks) 314 258
Road Construction (km) 538 376
Road Deactivation (km) 90 46
Road Maintenance (km) 4,233 2,128
Bridge Construction (# of bridges) 16 13
Bridge Maintenance (# of bridges) 466 253
[back row, left to right] Silviculture – Free Growing (# of blocks) 398 144 William Dumont (RPF), Ralph Archibald, Tim Ryan (RPF) Chair, Dave Patterson (RPF) Silviculture – Regeneration Due (# of blocks) 313 112
[front row, left to right] Silviculture – Planting (# of blocks) 298 169 Andrea Lyall (RPF), Dr. William McGill (P.Ag.) Vice-Chair, Michael Nash Silviculture – Site Preparation (# of blocks) 107 28
Fire Protection (# of active sites) 15 15
6 FOREST PRACTICES BOARD 2013/14 ANNUAL REPORT 7 AUDIT RECOMMENDATIONS MADE / RESPONSES
AUDIT OF FOREST PLANNING AND PRACTICES – AUDIT OF FOREST PLANNING AND PRACTICES – AUDIT OF FOREST PLANNING AND PRACTICES – by TSL holders complied in all significant respects FORT JAMES DISTRICT – WOODLOT LICENCES SOUTH ISLAND DISTRICT WOODLOT – MCBRIDE COMMUNITY FOREST CORPORATION – with the requirements of the Forest and Range W0295 AND W1893 WOODLOT LICENCE W0033 COMMUNITY FOREST AGREEMENT K1H Practices Act, the Wildfire Act and related regulations.
Recommendation made: The Board requested that Recommendation made: The Board requests that Findings: The audit of planning and forestry activities • A TSL holder installed a log culvert to cross a both licensees report back to the Board by December 31, Penelakut First Nation report back to the Board by undertaken by McBride Community Forest Corporation fish-bearing stream that did not meet the design 2012, on progress in reporting information for current April 30, 2014, on the progress made in reporting the (MCFC) identified four significant non-compliances with requirements, which is a significant non-compliance. and past activities to government, in accordance with required information on current and past activities respect to operational planning, road construction and One significant non-compliance regulatory requirements. to government. silviculture, and one opportunity for improvement relating to silviculture obligations. Response received: On June 7, 2013, the Board Response received: Response not due as of received an update from a consultant hired by the woodlot March 31, 2014. Significant non-compliances: AUDIT OF FIRE PROTECTION PRACTICES – licensees to bring the woodlot reporting into compliance. BRITISH COLUMBIA HYDRO AND POWER • Operational planning relating to road locations not Board staff reviewed the submission and found it AUTHORITY – OCCUPANT LICENCES TO CUT AUDITS COMPLETED being included on site plan maps. substantively addressed the Board’s request to remediate L48655, L48700, L48750, L48751 reporting deficiencies. • Road construction involving a poorly-constructed road. Findings: The audit found that fire protection activities AUDIT OF FOREST PLANNING AND PRACTICES • Unauthorized use of roads. undertaken by BC Hydro and contractors complied with – CASSIAR FOREST CORPORATION – FOREST the requirements of the Wildfire Act and related AUDIT OF FOREST PLANNING AND PRACTICES – • Lack of silviculture reporting to government. LICENCE A64561 AND COAST MOUNTAIN HYDRO regulations. BC Hydro addressed fire preparedness, and SOUTH ISLAND DISTRICT WOODLOT – WOODLOT CORPORATION – OCCUPANT LICENCES TO CUT Area requiring improvement: all hazard assessment and abatement obligations were LICENCE W1632 completed prior to the field audit. L46959, L49021 & L49136 • Maintaining accurate silviculture information for Recommendation made: The Board requests that Halalt cutblocks where MCFC has obligations. All practices were in compliance First Nation report back to the Board by April 30, 2014, Findings: The audit found the planning and forest on the progress made in reporting the required information activities undertaken by Cassiar Forest Corporation Four significant non-compliances complied with the requirements of the Forest and on current and past activities to government. AUDIT OF FOREST PLANNING AND PRACTICES – Range Practices Act, the Wildfire Act and related One area requiring improvement SOUTH ISLAND DISTRICT WOODLOTS – WOODLOT Response received: Response not due as of regulations, though some minor soil disturbance was LICENCES W0011, W0020, W1479, W1526, W1713, March 31, 2014. noted—an area requiring improvement. FORESTRY AUDIT: BC TIMBER SALES AND TIMBER W1902, W1903, W1906 One area requiring improvement SALE LICENCE HOLDERS – STUART-NECHAKO Findings: The audit found the planning and forest The audit also found the planning and forest activities BUSINESS AREA activities carried out under woodlot licences W0011, in compliance undertaken by Coast Mountain Hydro Corporation Findings: Auditors found that planning and field activities W0020, W1479, W1526, W1713, W1902, W1903 LEGEND non-compliance complied with the requirements of the Forest and Range undertaken by BCTS complied in all significant respects with and W1906 complied with the requirements of the requiring improvement Practices Act, the Wildfire Act and related regulations. the requirements of the Forest and Range Practices Act, the Forest and Range Practices Act, the Wildfire Act and related regulations. All practices were in compliance Wildfire Act and related regulations. Auditors found that, with one exception, planning and field practices undertaken All practices were in compliance
8 FOREST PRACTICES BOARD 2013/14 ANNUAL REPORT 9 AUDIT OF FOREST PLANNING AND PRACTICES – AUDIT OF FOREST PLANNING AND PRACTICES – FORESTRY AUDIT BC TIMBER SALES AND TIMBER • A TSL holder was actively harvesting without an SOUTH ISLAND DISTRICT WOODLOT – WOODLOT WESTERN FOREST PRODUCTS INC. – TREE FARM SALE LICENCE HOLDERS – SKEENA BUSINESS AREA adequate fire suppression system in place during LICENCE W1632 LICENCE 39 – BLOCK 1 a period when activities were restricted due to the Findings: Auditors found that planning and field activities high forest fire risk. Findings: The audit found that, with one exception, the Findings: The audit found that planning and forest undertaken by BCTS complied in all significant respects with planning and field activities undertaken by Halalt First activities undertaken by Western Forest Products Inc. the requirements of the Forest and Range Practices Act, the Two significant non-compliances Nation on W1632 complied in all significant respects with on TFL 39 Block 1 complied with the requirements of Wildfire Act and related regulations. the requirements of the Forest and Range Practices Act, the the Forest and Range Practices Act, the Wildfire Act Wildfire Act and related regulations. The licensee failed to and related regulations. Auditors found that, with one exception, planning and NEW AUDITS STARTED comply with legislated requirements to submit information field practices undertaken by TSL holders complied in all All practices were in compliance (NOT COMPLETED AT MARCH 31, 2014) annually regarding the area harvested, as well as statistics significant respects with the requirements of the Forest and about silviculture activities, and this was a significant Range Practices Act, Wildfire Act and related regulations. Mackenzie Fibre Management Corporation - non-compliance. However, auditors identified a significant non-compliance AUDIT OF FOREST PLANNING AND PRACTICES – involving a poorly deactivated winter road that resulted in Forestry Licence to Cut A87345 One significant non-compliance NDAZKHOT’EN FOREST MANAGEMENT LTD. – failure to maintain natural drainage patterns. Compliance audit of forest planning and practices. FOREST LICENCES A65926 AND A81934 One significant non-compliance Audit of Non-Replaceable Forest Licence A66762 Findings: The audit found that planning and forestry Burns Lake Specialty Wood Ltd. AUDIT OF FOREST PLANNING AND PRACTICES – activities undertaken by Ndazkhot’en Forest Compliance audit of forest planning and practices. SOUTH ISLAND DISTRICT WOODLOT – WOODLOT Management Ltd. on FL A65926 and FL A81934 LICENCE W0033 FORESTRY AUDIT BC TIMBER SALES AND TIMBER Audit of Non-Replaceable Forest Licence A72921 complied with the requirements of the Forest and Range SALE LICENCE HOLDERS – PRINCE GEORGE 639881 BC Ltd. Findings: The audit found that, with two exceptions, Practices Act, the Wildfire Act and related regulations. BUSINESS AREA Compliance audit of forest planning and practices. planning and field activities undertaken by the Penelakut All practices were in compliance First Nation on W0033 complied in all significant respects Findings: The audit found that the planning and field with the requirements of the Forest and Range Practices activities undertaken by BCTS complied in all significant Act, the Wildfire Act and related regulations. However, the respects with the requirements of the Forest and Range AUDIT OF FOREST PLANNING AND PRACTICES – audit identified two significant non-compliances relating to Practices Act, the Wildfire Act and related regulations. KA-BAR RESOURCES LIMITED – FORESTRY LICENCES bridge construction and annual reporting requirements. TO CUT A83972, A83973, A85053, A88604, A88605, The audit found that, with two exceptions, planning and Significant non-compliances: A88606, A88607, A88608, A88609, A88610 field activities undertaken by TSL holders complied in all significant respects with the requirements of the Forest • The licensee installed and used a bridge that was Findings: The audit found the forestry activities and Range Practices Act, the Wildfire Actand related not considered safe for industrial users—the stringers undertaken by Ka-Bar complied with the requirements regulations. were not properly lashed or pinned to the substructure of the Forest and Range Practices Act, the Wildfire Act and there were no guard rails. and related regulations. • Auditors found that a constructed bridge did not follow the design and was not safe for industrial users. • The licensee failed to comply with legislated All practices were in compliance requirements to submit information annually regarding the area harvested, as well as statistics about silviculture activities. Two significant non-compliances
10 FOREST PRACTICES BOARD 2013/14 ANNUAL REPORT 11 COMPLAINTS CONCERNS Although concerns do not involve formal investigations, the board takes concerns seriously and puts considerable concerns effort into trying to resolve matters. Two of the 73 received, concerns addressed this year are highlighted here. responded to 73 and closed HORN CREEK CONCERN The Board was contacted by a resident in the Twin Lakes area near Penticton with two concerns. The first this number does not include concerns was that water was being diverted from its natural that became formal complaints flow into Twin Lakes because of plugged culverts on private land. The second was that a plugged culvert on the Horn Creek Forest Service Road was causing road erosion and making travel difficult. The resident wanted to file a complaint.
new The first issue—about plugged culverts on private complaints land—was not within the Board’s jurisdiction, so received & under the Board referred the resident to the Ministry of Transportation (MOT), which had authority over a 2 investigation right-of-way on the property. MOT met with the CHAIN LAKES CONCERN landowner and subsequently the culvert was removed, A seasonal resident on a lake near Princeton was between the licensee and the community, and that the allowing water to remain in the natural channel concerned that residents were not consulted about resident likely missed seeing the public notices. Also, during peak flows. harvesting (and associated visual impacts) from a small the licensee obtained an exemption from the VQOs To resolve the second issue, the Board contacted scale salvage operation. The resident said the licensee because its operation was primarily for beetle salvage. the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource did not follow visual quality objectives (VQOs) or The investigator advised the resident of this and Operations and determined that no forest licensee lakeshore management zone requirements for the area explained that the lakeshore management zone was no was actively hauling timber on the forest service road, and that harvesting occurred in a recreation site. longer in effect, but harvesting was outside of the zone complaint therefore the road needed only to be maintained and the licensee was permitted to continue harvesting The Board talked to the licensee and staff of the to a ‘wilderness road’ standard and normal road within the recreation site. Following the explanation investigations Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource maintenance requirements did not apply. The Board’s from the Board investigator, the resident was satisfied Operations and reviewed several documents, including completed and efforts resulted in the resident working with the and did not follow through with a formal complaint. the forest licence to cut and the site plan, and 6 reports published ministry to discuss maintenance and annual monitoring found that there had been extensive communication of the culverts and she chose not to file a complaint.
12 FOREST PRACTICES BOARD 2013/14 ANNUAL REPORT 13 COMPLAINT INVESTIGATIONS COMPLETED LOGGING NEAR HABITAT FOR MOUNTAIN GOATS AND SPOTTED OWL IN THE TYAUGHTON LAKE LOGGING CLOSING LETTER CHILLIWACK VALLEY A resident of Tyaughton Lake, near Lillooet, complained Residents of the Post Creek Subdivision in the Chilliwack about the visual impacts of logging in the vicinity and River Valley complained that a local licensee harvested the lack of public consultation from the licensee. timber, potentially impacting both goats and spotted owl. This was the second of two complaints that the Board The licensee had conducted a visual impact assessment, investigated in this area. consistent with a commitment in its forest stewardship plan. In response to concerns from local residents, The area around Post Creek presents challenges for timber the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource harvesting for several reasons: it is adjacent to a rural/ Operations regional landscape forester reviewed the residential community, it is close to a provincial park, it assessment and found the methodology to be sound. is down-slope from designated mountain goat winter Most local residents were satisfied with the subsequent range and it is within a designated habitat area for one of results from logging. Canada’s most endangered species, the spotted owl.
Although communication was not effective in the The Board found that, while the planning and the harvesting early stages of the forest development, it improved over conducted by the licensee were consistent with both legal time. As concern among the local residents mounted, requirements and government policies, public consultation they formed a Ratepayers Association. The licensee was inadequate. Local residents were not informed early then had ongoing communication, including field trips, in the process, and the rationale for changes to previous with this group. commitments was poorly explained. The resulting lack of public confidence will be challenging to overcome. This case highlighted the need for licensees to start public communications early in the planning process, prior to doing field layout.
BERNSTOFF SPRING CLOSING LETTER A resident 15 kilometres north of Penticton complained that livestock use of a small pasture was contaminating a spring providing domestic drinking water. In addition, the complainant was concerned that new fencing was restricting public access to Crown land and that the pasture was being overgrazed.
The Board found no evidence of overgrazing on the pasture, noting that fencing does not prevent public access to Crown Land and that, subsequent to the new fencing and the installation of a water trough, there were no signs of livestock contaminating the spring.
14 FOREST PRACTICES BOARD 2013/14 ANNUAL REPORT 15 FOREST PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT NEAR hope our involvement leads to better communication BEGBIE FALLS and relationships in the community. Whenever we investigate a complaint, our first priority is to help those A director of the Regional District of Columbia Shushwap involved find ways to work together to address concerns complained that proposed harvesting in an area south of and develop a good relationship. However, we also strive Revelstoke was not consistent with the twenty-year-old to find the learning that we can all take away from the Begbie Falls Integrated Resources Plan (BFIRP) for that area. particular circumstance and share that broadly to foster The Board looked at the adequacy of consultation by the continuing improvements in forest management. licensee, and whether practices were consistent with BFIRP.
The Board found that, as an old plan, there were no legal obligations to follow BFIRP. Subsequent land use plans HARVEST PLANNING AND PRACTICES IN THE and legislation effectively replaced and updated many of HUNAKER CREEK WATERSHED the practice requirements in the old plan. The licensee A local resident complained that a BCTS logging operation maintained commitments to some BFIRP practices until it in the Hunaker Creek watershed near Smithers had amended the forest stewardship plan (FSP) to remove these affected the flow of a seasonal stream, which in turn commitments in 2012. However, the Board also found caused damage to the complainant’s property. The that consultation by the licensee was inadequate, since the complainant also asserted that the logging operations licensee did not directly notify the remaining BFIRP planning led to contamination of a well and that BCTS’s public committee participants to explain the FSP amendment. consultation efforts were inadequate, both for harvest This case highlighted the issue of old plans that have no planning and for notification about burning waste legal status creating local expectations. wood piles.
The Board believes that changing a previously The Board concluded that BCTS and the TSL holder had agreed-upon management approach without engaging complied with all pertinent legislation and that the plan participants—even for sound reasons—risks breaking planning and practices were reasonable in addressing public trust and potentially losing local social licence. The potential hydrological impacts. The Board found that, Board also believes government should work with licensees while logging likely contributed to increased peak flows and other plan signatories to either rescind these dated in Hunaker Creek, there were other factors that also plans or bring them into existing planning processes. contributed to the watershed conditions experienced by the complainant. The response to this report has been excellent. We received positive feedback on the Board’s findings and conclusions The Board found that, while there has been considerable from a variety of people. This report really struck a chord improvement in the consultation efforts regarding forest with local communities who are feeling left out of resource operations relating to this cutblock, overall effectiveness decisions, either by the provincial government or forestry was poor because of sparse communication both at the licensees. It also highlights the issue of local resource planning stage and prior to the TSL holder burning plans that were prepared over the last two decades, debris piles. In this case, considering the scale of the some of which are now dated and in need of updates forest operations and the adjacency to rural homes, or cancellation. The licensee in this case has responded the Board concluded that earlier and more intensive positively to the investigation findings and we sincerely consultation efforts would have been beneficial.
16 FOREST PRACTICES BOARD 2013/14 ANNUAL REPORT 17 NEW COMPLAINTS RECEIVED HARVESTING NEAR A RECREATIONAL TRAIL ON THE SUNSHINE COAST A local resident and hiker complained to the Board that PROPOSED HARVESTING UPSLOPE OF Western Forest Products Inc. is not maintaining the RECREATION CABINS ALONG EAST integrity of the Sunshine Coast Trail near Powell River SHUSWAP LAKE when harvesting close to it. The complainant asserted Complaint that proposed harvesting and road construction that buffers were not protecting visual quality or pose an unacceptable landslide risk for people, property preventing trees from blowing down onto the trail. and water quality. The Board investigated and concluded that the licensee was complying with management principles established by government to direct activities near the trail. In PROPOSED LOGGING ON A WOODLOT addition, the Board found the licensee provided maps NEAR PEMBERTON to the public on a regular basis showing proposed Complaint that proposed harvesting and road construction harvest areas near the trail and conducted field reviews will affect seasonable springs, pose risks to people and for these blocks with the Powell River Parks and properties from falling rock, and reduce property values Wilderness Society. due to visual impacts. The Board stopped the investigation The Board believes the management principles for when the woodlot licensee decided to defer harvesting, activities near the trail have not been in place long likely until 2019 or later, providing more time to conduct enough to warrant a review of management direction further assessment work. and that any future reviews should be done within the context of a strategic land use planning process where all benefits and costs can be properly evaluated.
As a result of this complaint investigation, the licensee has recognized that they need to strengthen relationships within the communities where they operate. They have initiated an ongoing dialogue with the Regional District to better understand their desires regarding recreation and other land uses within the working forest near Powell River. The licensee has also put a regional strategy into place to improve communication with the public in their operating areas. The strategy aims to inform the public about the company, what they do in the working forest, why they do it, and to improve awareness and understanding. They are also encouraging public recreation in the forests where they operate. Initiatives include partnerships, trail signage and recreation maps.
18 FOREST PRACTICES BOARD 2013/14 ANNUAL REPORT 19 SPECIAL PROJECTS TIMBER HARVESTING IN BEETLE-AFFECTED SPECIAL PROJECTS COMPLETED AREAS – IS IT MEETING GOVERNMENT'S EXPECTATIONS? SPECIAL SPECIAL REPORTS NEW SPECIAL NEW SPECIAL INVESTIGATIONS COMPLETED AND INVESTIGATIONS REPORT STARTED The mountain pine beetle epidemic in BC’s interior will The Board examined government's records of 3 COMPLETED AND 2 PUBLISHED 3 STARTED 1 result in the mid-term timber supply being much lower harvesting, over the entire MPB affected area since PUBLISHED than was projected prior to the epidemic. To minimize the epidemic began in 2000. The Board found that, the decrease government has expressed a general in general, the forest industry has focused its harvesting MANAGEMENT OF KARST RESOURCE FEATURES MONITORING LICENSEES’ COMPLIANCE expectation that the forest industry should, in the in a way that meets government's expectations. short-term, maximize the harvest of pine trees—in ON NORTHERN VANCOUVER ISLAND WITH LEGISLATION However, the Board is concerned that the percentage particular, dead pine—and minimize the harvest of of pine in the harvest peaked in 2009 and has The Board carried out this investigation to assess the Planning and practice requirements of the Forest and non-pine trees, saving those trees for the mid-term. effectiveness of forest practices in protecting karst resources Range Practices Act and the Wildfire Act are the minimum decreased steadily since, indicating that the forest on northern Vancouver Island. In March 2007, government legal requirements for forest and range activities on industry is losing its focus on pine harvest. If the issued an order (the Order) under the Government Actions public land in British Columbia. The government inspects current trend continues, the percentage of pine in the Regulation that forestry activities not damage, or render licensees’ forest and range activities for compliance with harvest will back to pre-epidemic levels of 45 percent ineffective, karst resource features, as defined in the Order. these requirements and may take enforcement action for of the harvest in 3 or 4 years. A likely reason for the non-compliance. This helps to hold licensees accountable decrease is difficulty finding pine stands with high The investigation did not determine that any caves or and provides an indication that the legislation is working. enough volume and close enough to roads significant karst features were damaged or rendered and mills. Many of those stands have already ineffective by forestry activities. However, investigators In this report, the Board looked at the extent to which been harvested and the quality of the were only able to assess the portions of karst terrain government still inspects forest and range activities. dead pine in the remaining stands is that were readily visible; they did not assess the It found the number of inspections of forest and range deteriorating rapidly. subterranean portions. activities for the year ending March 31, 2012, to be a third of the number carried out three years earlier. In eight beetle-affected timber The Board found that the guidelines set out in two Inspections decreased for a variety of reasons, one of supply areas government has karst management guidance documents—including which was the 2010 consolidation of natural resource expressed a specific expectation the best management practices—were usually not followed, ministries that now sees fewer natural resource officers about the maximum amount of and noted inconsistency with karst assessments and inspecting a much greater number and type of activities non-pine trees that should be harvested. management strategies. The Board acknowledges that on Crown land. For example they now inspect dams, The harvest of non-pine in those areas last year forest management on karst terrain can be challenging, recreation activities, illegal structures like cabins and was more than the maximum amount expected by due to identified surface karst features being only a small docks, litter, open burning, etc. government and in two of the areas, much more part of the karst terrain as a whole; and that this is further non-pine was harvested that was expected. The complicated by legislation that only focuses on caves and The Board recommended improvements to how the expectations about the non-pine harvest are guidance very specific karst features. Since much of the karst terrain government records and reports industry compliance. provided by the chief forester and have no legal effect. cannot easily be assessed, the Board believes it is important Government needs to demonstrate that it is carrying out Government is relying on forest managers to respect that forest professionals take a cautious approach when enough inspections to adequately monitor compliance the partitions. addressing karst features and utilize karst specialists and with legislation, or public confidence will be diminished. the best available information when assessing karst features and prescribing management strategies.
20 FOREST PRACTICES BOARD 2013/14 ANNUAL REPORT 21 BRIDGE PLANNING, DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION This investigation looked at whether new bridges were action plan from industry and the forestry and safe for industrial use and whether forest resources such engineering professional associations to address the as water, soil and fish were being protected. Investigators safety issues. Industry has responded and is conducting examined 216 bridges across 5 districts, finding that a assessments of bridges on all active forestry roads significant number of professionals and licensees were across the province (the investigation only examined not following legislation and professional guidance when bridges in 5 of the 24 districts). The professional designing, installing and approving bridges used for associations are working with industry to ensure all forestry activities. parties are aware of the issues found, the professional guidance and the roles and responsibilities of all parties Investigators did find, however, that compliance with to ensure bridges are compliant and safe for use. planning requirements; protecting the environment when installing bridges; maintaining natural surface drainage; Board staff presented the results of the investigation to protecting banks and channels; controlling sediment; and the ABCFP/APEG BC Joint Practices Board, Ministry of maintaining fish passage were above average for bridges Forests Lands and Natural Resource Operations engineering built on forest service roads by either government, staff, the ministry’s Forest and Range Evaluation Program Investigators BC Timber Sales or major licensees. staff, and at a Resource Roads Conference in Nelson. The presentation was also recorded for on-line viewing Immediately after the release of this report, the Minister of examined 216 bridges in the government’s E-learning library. Forests, Lands and Natural Resources requested a 60-day across 5 districts
of bridges did not have a professional % seal of approval in the form of a crossing % of bridges had 33 assurance statement 40 incomplete plans
of bridges did not consider the ability of a bridge to pass the of bridges were not % expected peak flow of water in % safe and sound which is 36 their design 15 concerning to the Board
22 FOREST PRACTICES BOARD 2013/14 ANNUAL REPORT 23 BULLETINS PUBLISHED NEW RECOMMENDATIONS MADE
The Board occasionally publishes bulletins describing important issues for forest management identified BOARD BULLETIN, VOLUME 15 – BRIDGE PLANNING, DESIGN A REVIEW OF FOREST STEWARDSHIP in recent Board work. These bulletins are intended PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT IN FOREST AND CONSTRUCTION PLANS IN BC to foster discussion and encourage progress toward MANAGEMENT PLANNING IN BC Recommendation made: The Board requests that It has been nine years since the first forest stewardship improved stewardship of public forest and range the Joint Practices Board of the Association of BC plan (FSP) was approved under the Forest and Range resources. The Board published three bulletins this year. This bulletin explores an important component of a sound planning and management framework for forest Forest Professionals and the Association of Professional Practices Act, and over six years since the majority of management—a process for involving the public, First Engineers and Geoscientists of British Columbia licensees shifted to using FSPs to provide direction for advise it of the steps planned or taken to address the their practices. A 2006 Board report examined a sample BOARD BULLETIN, VOLUME 14 – Nations and stakeholders. The Board notes that some professional practice issues identified in this report by of early FSPs, highlighting shortcomings as a way to PROFESSIONAL RELIANCE IN BC FORESTS: licensees are not bridging the gap between what Forest October 31, 2014. help improve subsequent FSPs. This investigation will IS IT REALLY THE ISSUE? and Range Practices Act requires and what the local public needs, and comments that the forest industry’s act as a follow-up to assess whether subsequent FSPs Response received: Response not due as of This bulletin explores professional reliance in BC social licence to operate depends on maintaining have improved to meet the expectations set for them. March 31, 2014. forest management, and suggests that perhaps too public goodwill, and that means transparent and open many expectations are being placed on it, detracting communication with the public. from a more important analysis and discussion of NEW SPECIAL PROJECTS STARTED PENALTY DETERMINATIONS UNDER FOREST other elements in our provincial forest management AND RANGE PRACTICES LEGISLATION framework. The Board also concludes that a higher BOARD BULLETIN, VOLUME 16 – This report will provide information to the public, level of transparency by professionals, licensees and BALANCING RISK ACROSS RESOURCE MITIGATION OF BREACHES TO NATURAL forest and range agreement holders and government government is required if the public is to be confident VALUES IN FOREST OPERATIONS RANGE BARRIERS in the professional reliance approach. officials about administrative penalties related to forest This bulletin explores risk management in BC forest Concerns raised with the Board about impacts to and range practices, including the size of penalties, operations, and suggests that the goal should be a natural range barriers have increased over the last five statutory defences—such as due diligence—and the forest management framework that provides sufficient years, likely coinciding with the accelerated salvage types of activity that give rise to penalties. checks and balances so that the risks to important harvesting of mountain pine beetle affected timber. resource values are always appropriately addressed and, This investigation will examine how major licensees as much as possible, that perceptions of bias and unfair and woodlot licence holders identify and commit to ARE ADMINISTRATIVE PENALTIES process are avoided. The Board believes that beyond mitigating alteration of natural range barriers, and BEING USED APPROPRIATELY? meeting legal requirements, the resulting decisions to whether the range of mitigation approaches balance practices on Crown land must be transparent, is reasonable. The Board believes that if administrative penalties are fair and reflect the public’s risk-benefit preferences. used appropriately, they are more likely to promote compliance. Appropriate use involves being fair, reasonable and transparent. The investigation will explore the extent that penalties may not have been fair, reasonable, or transparent and the reasons why.
24 FOREST PRACTICES BOARD 2013/14 ANNUAL REPORT 25 APPEALS
In the period April 2013 to March 2014, there were 42 determinations (including remediation orders) made BABINE FOREST PRODUCTS LTD. DOUGLAS LAKE CATTLE COMPANY BLACKLOCK AND INTERIOR ROADS LTD. under the Forest and Range Practices Act and the Wildfire In 2011, the Board joined an appeal by Babine Forest In December 2013, the Board initiated an appeal of a In March 2014, the Board joined the Blacklock and Act, 5 of which were appealed to the Forest Appeals Products Ltd. The appeal was to be heard in July 2013, determination involving the Douglas Lake Cattle Company. Interior Roads Ltd. appeals. These two appeals relate to a Commission. Of the five appeals, the Board joined three. but the Board withdrew. A settlement was reached after The district manager determined that the company fire centre manager’s decision that Wayne Blacklock and The Board also initiated one appeal and concluded another. the Board’s withdrawal. harvested and removed timber without authority and did Interior Roads Ltd. contravened the Wildfire Act and the An appeal the Board joined in 2012 is still in progress. not inform its contractor of the boundaries of the private Wildfire Regulation. Mr. Blacklock, a contractor for Interior The appeal concerned the district manager’s refusal to land adjoining Crown land. As a result, there was partial Roads Ltd., was found to have caused a fire while mowing approve Babine’s amendment to its forest stewardship loss of an old growth management area and a mule deer the roadside. The fire was allegedly caused by a spark from plan (FSP) because the result or strategy outlined in the winter range. However, the company succeeded in proving a mower blade hitting a rock. The manager determined FSP was not consistent with the Forest and Range Practices the defence of due diligence, and so the district manager that the government’s costs of fire control were $456,378 Act (FRPA) objective for visual quality. The Board took the found that it did not contravene the Forest and Range and apportioned the costs 60 percent to Mr. Blacklock and position that the district manager was correct in refusing Practices Act (FRPA). 40 percent to Interior Roads Ltd. determinations42 appeals5 to approve the amendment because Babine’s FSP did not propose a result or strategy that conformed to the In the appeal, the Board took the position that the The Board is taking the position that the Wildfire Act examined examined definitions, which say it must be measurable or verifiable, company was not duly diligent because it did not take should be interpreted as giving the minister discretion and it must describe the situations and circumstances that reasonable care to inform its logging contractor of the to decide how much of the government’s costs of fire determine where it applies. boundaries of private land and it did not oversee its control a person should be required to pay. The Board will contractor’s activities in a manner commensurate with the argue that a person should not be required to pay all of The Board was concerned with the correct interpretation resource values at risk. The Board argued that contravening the costs if the person is able to prove that the costs were of FRPA’s approval test, focusing on the scope of the FRPA had significant consequences for the government’s not entirely the result of his or her actions, or that the minister’s discretion to approve an FSP. The Board addressed forest management objectives and that a penalty should government’s actions contributed to the costs. the meaning of being “consistent to the extent practicable” 3 1 have been levied for the contraventions. The Commission’s with an objective—in this case the visual quality objective— appeals appeal decision is expected in 2014. and the meaning of balancing objectives, results, strategies STELLA-JONES CANADA INC. joined initiated and other plan content, among other things. In March 2014, the Board joined the Stella-Jones Canada At the hearing, but before evidence was heard, a settlement Inc. appeal. This appeal relates to a decision rejecting a was reached based on revisions to the FSP that made the free-growing declaration made by the company. result or strategy more measurable and verifiable; but the The decision-maker found the survey evidence to be Board concluded that it could not support the revisions, as contradictory and, for this reason, could not decide with they did not go far enough to improve the FSP. The main certainty whether a free-growing stand had been achieved. reason for the Board’s involvement in the appeal—to argue 5 1 The decision-maker rejected the declaration, but said that the correct interpretation of the approval test and to get a appeals in appeal he would conduct his own survey before making a final ruling from the Commission on this point—was also lost; decision. The Board is taking the position that a decision- progress concluded so rather than object to the settlement the Board withdrew, maker should be able to conduct a survey, if one is needed, which enabled the Commission to make the consent order. in order to resolve uncertainty and make the best forest management decision.
26 FOREST PRACTICES BOARD 2013/14 ANNUAL REPORT 27 COMMUNICATION
LIKE US ON REPORTS PUBLISHED 130 Likes on Facebook 221 Followers on Twitter FACEBOOK: 1. CLOSING LETTER: Tyaughton Lake Logging 15. Harvesting Near a Recreational Trail on the Sunshine 13 Speaking engagements, attended 33 events BC Forest Practices Board – May 2013 Coast – Dec 2013 2. BCTS and Timber Sale Licence Holders, Stuart-Nechako 16. South Island District Woodlots – Woodlot Licences (including conferences, AGMs) 2 Newsletters and Business Area, Fort St. James District W0011, W0020, W1479, W1526, W1713, W1902, – May 2013 W1903, W1906; Audit of Forest Planning and 28 Reports published 28,476 website Practices – Dec 2013 3. Cassiar Forest Corporation and Coast Mountain Hydro of which, were visitors FOLLOW US Corporation in the Skeena-Stikine District – Jun 2014 17. Western Forest Products Inc. – TFL 39 Block 1 in the visitors 12,376 unique ON TWITTER: Sunshine Coast District; Audit of Forest Planning and @BC_FPBoard 4. Bulletin 014 – Professional Reliance in BC Forests: Is it Practices – Dec 2013 56.5% new visitors 43.5% returning visitors really the issue? – Jun 2013 18. Eye on BC Forests, Issue 10, Winter 2013-14 27 News Releases issued 32 Media 5. Bulletin 015 – Public Involvement in Forest Management Planning in BC – Jul 2013 19. Harvest Planning and Practices in the Hunaker Creek and (print, Watershed – Jan 2014 Interviews 94 Media Stories MOST POPULAR REPORT DOWNLOADS 6. Logging Near Habitat for Mountain Goats and Spotted broadcast and online coverage) 1. Bridge Planning, Design and Construction Owl in the Chilliwack River Valley – Jul 2013 20. Closing Letter – Bernstorff Spring – Feb 2014 (special investigation) 7. Monitoring Licensees' Compliance with Legislation 21. BCTS and Timber Sale Licence Holders – Skeena Business 2. Forest Planning and Development near Begbie Falls – Jul 2013 Area in the Coast Mountains Resource District; Forestry (complaint investigation) Audit – Feb 2014 MOST POPULAR WEBSITE PAGES 8. Eye on BC Forests, Issue 9, Summer 2013 3. Harvesting, Planning and Practices in the Hunaker Creek 22. Woodlot Licence W1632 in the South Island District; Watershed (complaint investigation) 9. McBride Community Forest Corp – Community Forest Audit of Forest Planning and Practices – Feb 2014 Agreement K1H in the Prince George District; Audit of 1. Home Page 4. 2012/13 Annual Report Forest Planning and Practices – Sept 2013 23. Bridge Planning, Design and Construction – Mar 2014 2. Report Search Page 5. Cumulative Effects: From Assessment Towards 10. 2012/13 Annual Report – Oct 2013 24. Woodlot Licence W0033 in the South Island District; Management (special report) Audit of Forest Planning and Practices – Mar 2014 3. Employment 11. BC Hydro and Power Authority Occupant Licences to 6. Logging and Lakeshore Management near Vanderhoof Cut; Audit of Fire Protection Practices – Nov 2013 25. BCTS and Timber Sale Licence Holders – Prince George 4. Bulletins (complaint investigation) Business Area in the Prince George District; Forestry Audit 12. Forest Planning and Development Near Begbie Falls – Mar 2014 5. Board Staff 7. Audit of BCTS and Timber Sale Licence Holders – – Nov 2013 Strait of Georgia Business Area, Campbell River District 26. Management of Karst Resource Features on Northern 6. Board Member Bios 13. Ka-Bar Resources Limited Forest Licences to Cut A83972; 8. Road and Bridge Practices – Board Audit Findings 2005 Vancouver Island – Mar 2014 7. News Release - Forest Road and Bridge Special A83973, A85053, A88605-A88610 in the Cascades – 2011 (special report) Report (Feb 2013) District; Audit of Forest Plannning and Practices 27. Timber Harvesting in Beetle-Affected Areas – Is it 9. Monitoring Licensees’ Compliance with Legislation – Nov 2013 meeting government's expectations? – Mar 2014 8. Contact (special investigation) 14. Ndazkhot'en Forest Management Ltd. – FLs A65926 and 28. Bulletin 016 – Balancing Risk Across Resource Values in 9. FPB Profile 10. Harvesting near a Recreational Trail A81934 in the Quesnel District; Audit of Forest Planning Forest Operations – Mar 2014 10. Reports in Progress (complaint investigation) and Practices – Dec 2013
28 FOREST PRACTICES BOARD 2013/14 ANNUAL REPORT 29 FINANCIAL REPORT
Board Complaint Special Projects & Administration Members & Audits Legal TOTAL Investigations Communications & Overhead Executive
Salaries & 372,502 597,128 560,066 344,843 311,178 226,897 2,412,614 Benefits
Other Operating 128,339 130,862 441,005 3,502 36,763 655,653 1,396,124 Costs
Total Operating 500,841 727,990 1,001,071 348,345 347,941 882,550 3,808,738 Expenditures
Total Capital ------Expenditures
Total 500,841 727,990 1,001,071 348,345 347,941 882,550 3,808,738 Expenditures
Budget 3,815,000
Library and Archives Canada Cataloguing in Publication Data British Columbia. Forest Practices Board. Notes: Annual report. -- 1995 - 1. “Board Members and Executive” expenditures cover those of the Chair of the Board, the Annual. part-time Board members, the office of the Executive Director, and staff providing direct support ISBN 1203-9071 = Annual report - British Columbia. to the Board members. Forest Practices Board 1. British Columbia. Forest Practices Board - Periodicals. 2. “Legal” expenditures covers legal advice on all files of the Board, including review and appeals. 2. British Columbia. Forest Practices Code of British Columbia Act - Periodicals. 3. British Columbia. Forest and Range Practices Act - Periodicals. 3. “Administration and Overhead” includes building occupancy charges, amortization, software licensing, 4. Forest policy - British Columbia - Periodicals. centralized support charges, and salaries associated with support for corporate services 5. Forest management - British Columbia - Periodicals. and information systems. 6. Forestry law and legislation - British Columbia - Periodicals. I. Title. SD14.B7.B74 354.7110082’338’06 C96-960058-5 (Rev. July 19, 2005)
30 FOREST PRACTICES BOARD
communiqué eHelping to- Save Lives and Protect Property E-Comm Newsletter, No.44 Summer 2014
New 2014 partnerships
E-Comm’s current 9-1-1 PSAP service areas (approximately 862,000 9-1-1 calls annually)
Regional Districts scheduled to transition October/November 2014 (approximately 364,000 9-1-1 calls annually)
19 new regional districts to partner with E-Comm on 9-1-1 services This fall 19 regional districts across (RDFFG) and its partners that “We are committed to British Columbia will transfer they too would move their PSAP ensuring residents of their 9-1-1 Public-Safety Answer service to E-Comm. our new regional district Point (PSAP) services to E-Comm, resulting in the organization In June, NI9-1-1 announced its partners continue to receive becoming the first point of decision to move 9-1-1 PSAP high-quality, responsive contact for 80% of the province’s operations to E-Comm on October 9-1-1 public-safety answer 9-1-1 call volume. Agreements 21, 2014. The transition includes six point service 24-hours a day.” to relocate PSAP service were regional districts with a combined call David Guscott, recently signed by the North volume of 63,000: Alberni- Clayoquot, E-Comm President and CEO Island 9-1-1 Corporation (NI9-1-1) Comox Valley, Mt. Waddington, and the Regional District of Nanaimo (School District #69), Powell Central Okanagan (RDCO), which River and Strathcona. In a news represent 15 of the regional release, NI9-1-1 President Jon Ambler districts. This follows the March indicated that the new PSAP model announcement by the Regional would result in a $1.7 million cost District of Fraser-Fort George savings over a five-year period. Continued inside >>>
| | ecomm911.ca >>> Continued from cover
Mount Robson Provincial Park Photo: Renee McCloskey Comox, Vancouver Island Okanagan Lake, Kelowna Photo: Bruce Smith
9-1-1 caller In the days following the NI9-1-1 announcement, RDCO population base of more than one-million. Total Preparations for all transitions are in full swing. and its eight partner districts announced it would also additional emergency calls for all 19 regional districts Familiarizing E-Comm staff with the geography be partnering with E-Comm. Beginning November 18, is approximately 364,000 based on the districts’ call and special attributes of the 19 regional 9-1-1 calls placed from the North Okanagan, Central volume for 2013. This is in addition to the more than districts is a priority and a comprehensive Okanagan, Okanagan-Similkameen, Thompson-Nicola, 860,000 emergency calls E-Comm currently handles for training program has been developed to help “Do you need police, fire or ambulance?” Columbia-Shuswap, Squamish-Lillooet (North), Central Metro Vancouver, the Sunshine Coast and Squamish/ staff learn about the new regional districts Call is transferred to Kootenay, East Kootenay and Kootenay-Boundary Whistler areas. and other information relevant to managing Regional Districts will be answered by E-Comm and incoming 9-1-1 calls for our new partners. transferred to the current police, ambulance and fire “We are very pleased with our new partnerships and Police Fire Ambulance dispatch centres (approximately 230,000 calls per year) are committed to ensuring residents of these regional The RDFFG, NI9-1-1 and RDCO indicated they RCMP Operations Fire dispatch centres in: BC Ambulance used by these regional districts. districts continue to receive high-quality, responsive each made the decision to move services to communications Campbell River Service dispatch centres in: Cranbrook centres in: 9-1-1 public-safety answer point service 24-hours a E-Comm following independent, extensive Courtenay Fraser Valley Kamloops “E-Comm’s outstanding track record of high quality and day,” said E-Comm President and CEO David Guscott. analyses of their current PSAP operations. It Kelowna Kamloops Victoria reliable 9-1-1 answering services means all residents in “Our vision is safer communities in British Columbia was determined the benefits of E-Comm’s Prince George Kelowna the affected regional districts can be assured there will through excellence in public-safety communication consolidated approach to emergency Prince George be professionally handled, quick response to their initial and expansion of our services factors prominently in communications included access to more staffing Surrey Trail emergency calls,” said RDCO Chair Robert Hobson. our strategic plan, Vision2020.” resources to manage any sudden influxes of 9-1-1 Vernon calls, access to top-tier technology and expertise As reported earlier in the year, RDFFG is also scheduled While the PSAP portion of 9-1-1 calls will now be and significant cost savings. to transition its 9-1-1 call-answer services (October 7). answered by E-Comm, police calls will continue to be This area includes the regional districts of Fraser-Fort managed by the RCMP Operations Communications Partners also benefit from having a secure, Annual Geographic Population Call Volume Area George, Kitimat-Stikine, Bulkley-Nechako and Cariboo Centres in Prince George, Courtenay and Kelowna. purpose-built facility designed to resist a major (approximately 71,000 calls per year). Fire calls will be directed to the Fire dispatch centres earthquake and be self-sufficient for 72 hours. RDFFG 71,000 240,000 km2 230,000 located in Prince George, Campbell River, Cranbrook, E-Comm also has a number of back-up provisions, NI 9-1-1 63,000 160,000 km2 140,000 With the forging of these new partnerships, E-Comm Kamloops, Kelowna, Trail, Vernon, Surrey and the Fraser including a fully equipped evacuation site that will now cover an additional 570,000 square Valley. Ambulance calls for all areas will be transferred is capable of supporting the continuity of 9-1-1 RDCO 230,000 170,000 km2 705,000 kilometres of service area within B.C. with a combined to their dispatch centres in either Kamloops or Victoria. call-answer services in a variety of scenarios.
2 e-communiqué Summer 2014, No.44 3 CEO Update
David Guscott, President and CEO E-Comm 2014-2015 Board of Directors
On June 8, 2014 we celebrated Last year 861,694 9-1-1 calls were Jocelyn Kelley Independent Director, Board Chair E-Comm’s 15th anniversary. placed to our centre, 98% of which And it is with great pride that were answered in five seconds or Penny Ballem I look back on the public-safety less. Our goal has always been, and City of Vancouver accomplishments that, together always will be, to ensure that we Gary Bass Burnaby Fire Department Deputy Chief with our partners, E-Comm has provide highly-reliable and effective RCMP Disaster exercise tests Chris Bowcock (left) and Coquitlam Fire/ realized over the years. 9-1-1 services 24-hours a day. This is Councillor Alan Campbell / Rescue Assistant Fire Chief Rod Gill in direct alignment with our vision Fire Chief Len Garis multi-agency response at the May 30 tabletop exercise. 9-1-1 is a lifeline and there have of safer communities in British City of White Rock, City of Surrey and Township of Langley been many significant changes Columbia through excellence in and enhancements to the system public-safety communication. Mayor Mike Clay On May 30, representatives from various fire, police, “Successfully mitigating large-scale since those early days, including Independent Police Boards (Port Moody, ambulance and regional agencies including E-Comm, West Vancouver, Transit Police, Abbotsford, emergencies depends mainly on additional technical redundancies 9-1-1 is not the only area to have New Westminster) gathered at Coquitlam Fire/Rescue to participate in a our ability to work collectively and system enhancements, the achieved significant growth. Our tabletop crisis scenario modeled after last year’s tragic Mayor Ernie Daykin as a diverse group of emergency introduction of location information radio network has since become a Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows train derailment in Lac-Mégantic, Quebec. Multi-agency responders and agencies.” from cellphones and Text with cornerstone of emergency response collaboration was the main topic of discussion during 9-1-1 for the Deaf and Hard-of- and is the largest multi-agency, Councillor Diana Dilworth the exercise as participants reviewed the emergency Wade Pierlot, Port Moody, Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Fire Chief, Coquitlam Fire/Rescue Hearing. These enhancements multi-jurisdictional public-safety Belcarra, New Westminster planning and preparedness activities necessary during are just the tipping point as we radio system in the province a large-scale disaster. Barry Forbes consider future initiatives under managing more than ten-million Independent Director Next Generation 9-1-1, the name radio transmissions every month. Highlights from the exercise included a review of “The format of the scenario allowed participants given to the modernization of 9-1-1 Police and fire dispatch services Linda Lupini a Transportation Safety Board report on the 2013 to share their knowledge and analyze the Emergency Health Services infrastructure across North America. have also grown substantially rail disaster along with video commentary by Lac- assumptions and challenges in a disaster situation over the years with E-Comm Councillor Bill McNulty Mégantic Fire Chief Denis Lauzon, who outlined by testing emergency response plans within In 1999, E-Comm was responsible currently dispatching 74% of police City of Richmond the communication and interoperability challenges a realistic context,” explained Fire Chief Wade for 9-1-1 call-answer services in emergency calls and 68% of fire Councillor Gayle Martin experienced during Canada’s deadliest rail accident. Pierlot, Coquitlam Fire/Rescue. “Ultimately, it Metro Vancouver, the Sunshine emergency calls in Metro Vancouver. Metro Vancouver Following the review, the group took part in a facilitated emphasized that successfully mitigating large-scale Coast and Whistler. We later Mayor Darrell Mussatto discussion on notification and response processes emergencies depends mainly on our ability to expanded to Pemberton and the Whether transitioning new District of North Vancouver, City of North throughout different stages of the exercise scenario: a work collectively as a diverse group of emergency southern portion of the Squamish- dispatch partners, expanding our Vancouver, District of West Vancouver, daytime derailment involving the transportation of crude responders and agencies.” Village of Lions Bay Lillooet Regional District. With 9-1-1 call-answer service, evolving oil along the border of New Westminster and Coquitlam. further expansion planned this fall, our radio network or providing Clayton Pecknold Fourteen agencies participated in the table-top E-Comm will soon be responsible mission-critical technology services, Ministry of Justice A number of E-Comm’s operational managers were scenario including representatives from for 80% of the province’s incoming our employees are the driving Karl Preuss on hand to offer their perspectives on call volume Coquitlam, Burnaby, New Westminster, Port 9-1-1 call volume. As a not-for- force behind our ability to support The Corporation of Delta / Delta Police Board management for 9-1-1, fire and police call-taking as well Moody, Delta, Surrey, Translink, BC Ambulance profit company, expanding our E-Comm’s public-safety partners. Patrick Quealey as dispatch. This included discussion of issues relating Service, Ministry of Environment, Ministry of public-safety partnerships supports I would also like to thank our partners Ministry of Justice to location information, technology requirements and Transportation, City of Vancouver 311 and IPREM what we consider to be the true and Board of Directors for their multi-agency coordination. The type of hazardous (Integrated Partnership for Regional Emergency Bob Rolls benefits of integration: economies- commitment, the positive impact Vancouver Police Board materials and amount being transported, transportation Management in Metro Vancouver). The Delta fire of-scale and the ability to increase they have had on our efforts over the routes, weather conditions, environmental impact, and police departments have already declared Sheldon Stoilen operational effectiveness for past 15 years, and the pivotal role Independent Director possible evacuations and rescue efforts were also taken their intention to host a similar exercise in 2015, all through shared staffing and they continue to play in helping to into consideration with the objective of making the with E-Comm continuing to take a leadership role technology costs. advance emergency communications. scenario as realistic as possible. in developing an exercise scenario.
4 e-communiqué Summer 2014, No.44 5 E-Comm Business Analyst Adam Fire experts stay current Konkle (left) discusses E-Comm’s technology with Calgary’s Redwood Meadows Emergency on hot topics Services’ Fire Chief Rob Evans.
More than 900 representatives from fire departments Pacific Northwest,” said Vancouver Fire Chief John “The real value in this conference lies in the and public-safety organizations participated in this McKearney. “The tradeshow offered delegates the opportunity we have to come together as industry year’s Fire Chiefs Association of BC Conference and latest information on technologies and industry professionals and discuss new technologies and Expo in June. The five-day conference was held in advancements, while several new fire engines, opportunities,” added E-Comm’s Director of Fire Victoria and provided industry experts with the ladders and special operations vehicles were proudly Services Dave Mitchell. opportunity to gain valuable information on key issues displayed in front of the Legislature.” facing fire services today. The event featured numerous Highlights of the event included discussions on presentations on the topics of recruitment, training, Alongside hundreds of vendors and service providers, recruitment and an “i-session” which expanded on technology and leadership. E-Comm participated in the Expo by demonstrating the use of iPads in emergency response. its fire dispatch and management technologies and “A large component of the conference is the Fire Expo also joined in the conversation about the evolution of For more information about the Fire Chiefs Association which is the largest fire service tradeshow in the technologies and standards in fire dispatch. of BC visit: fcabc.ca
“The combination of E-Comm welcomes Evacuation exercises regular evacuation exercises and a fully new Director of fine-tune disaster equipped back-up site Police Services is critical to ensuring the recovery plans continuity of service to our partners.” Former RCMP Assistant Commissioner Fraser MacRae Doug Watson, joined E-Comm on June 15, as the organization’s new A critical component of E-Comm’s throughout the year, which involve E-Comm Vice-President Director of Police Services. After 36 years of service strategic plan, Vision2020, is a staff relocating to the back-up site of Operations with the RCMP, MacRae retired in 2012 and was commitment to operational while regular operations continue at promptly nominated as the RCMP’s representative effectiveness including robust the E-Comm location. Each planned on E-Comm’s Board of Directors in June 2013 until emergency plans to support continued evacuation offers the opportunity recently stepping down in order to join E-Comm’s operations. Pre-planned evacuation to test emergency systems and Approximately 60 staff reported executive leadership team. exercises allow for emergency back-up procedures, while allowing technical for duty at E-Comm’s back-up site systems to be regularly tested and and facility related maintenance to for its latest full-scale planned “As a previous member of E-Comm’s Board of provide staff with the opportunity to occur back at E-Comm. evacuation in the spring. During Directors I had the opportunity to gain insight and familiarize themselves with equipment the event, all 9-1-1 calls, police a new appreciation for the service and contribution at the back-up site. The ability to have “The combination of regular and fire emergency and non- E-Comm makes to public safety,” said MacRae. “My E-Comm’s Director of Police Services Fraser MacRae. a dedicated evacuation site capable evacuation exercises and a fully emergency call-taking and previous career provided me with the opportunity of handling all incoming 9-1-1 calls, equipped back-up site is critical dispatch services continued to invest in public safety and by joining E-Comm detachment in Canada. He also held leadership police and fire call-taking and dispatch to ensuring the continuity of without interruption from 0720- I am able to continue with that commitment and roles in the Burnaby, North Vancouver and Ridge- operations is an important component service to our partners,” stated 1910 hours from the back-up site. contribution. I feel privileged to take on this new Meadows detachments. of the E-Comm model, and helps to E-Comm’s Vice-President of Essential software and firmware role and look forward to the opportunities that my ensure smooth operations in the event Operations Doug Watson. “These updates to technical equipment new position brings.” “E-Comm is pleased to have Fraser assume this important of a full-scale evacuation. components allow our staff and in the communication centre and role as his extensive policing and leadership background systems to be highly responsive to facilities maintenance took place During his distinguished career with the RCMP, will be an asset to our organization as we continue to A minimum of two full evacuations the challenges emerging from a back at E-Comm. The next planned Fraser was Assistant Commissioner and Officer-in- focus on strong relationships and service excellence for are planned each year with smaller potential major disaster, network or evacuation is scheduled to take Charge of the Surrey Detachment, the largest RCMP our partners,” added E-Comm CEO David Guscott. scale evacuations conducted equipment malfunction.” place this fall.
6 e-communiqué Summer 2014, No.44 7 E-Comm service inE-Comm the community by the numbers
April – June 2014 9-1-1 service levels 9-1-1 calls placed Service level to E-Comm achieved* 216,039 96% * Service Level Target: 95% of all 9-1-1 calls answered in five seconds or less.
Number of 9-1-1 calls from landlines and cellphones Landline Cellular 70,517 145,522 33% 67%
Burnaby RCMP Chief Superintendent Dave Critchley and Cpl. 9-1-1 calls directed to police, Brenda Gresiuk with E-Comm’s 9-1-1 ambassador ALI at the fire and ambulance Burnaby RCMP Safety forum on April 24. Police...... 68%
Ambulance...... 27%
Fire...... 5%
Technology 9-1-1 availability 100%
Radio network availability average 99.9930%
Radio transmissions (#) 33,807,944 E-Comm celebrated West Vancouver’s Community Day on June 7 Radio system air time (seconds) 130,176,306 with first responder partners.
E-Comm mission To deliver exceptional emergency communication services For more information on E-Comm or to comment that help save lives and protect property, and to advance on a story, contact [email protected] public-safety partnerships. Please contact us if you would like to receive this E-Comm vision newsletter electronically. Safer communities in British Columbia through excellence in public-safety communication.
E-Comm values Respect • Accountability • Integrity • Service • Collaboration
e-communiqué was printed with vegetable-based inks on chlorine-free, 100% post-consumer waste recycled paper.