Below are the sections of the year-end address delivered by Cariboo Regional District (CRD) chair Al Richmond that involves the 100 Mile House and area.
"Today, I have the distinct pleasure of reviewing the CRD's key accomplishments and successes for 2015. Looking back over the past year, our region can be proud of its achievements. The CRD experienced many successes in 2015.
Budget consultations
The year started with three sub-regional budget consultation meetings taking place in 100 Mile House, Quesnel and Williams Lake. During these meetings we presented the proposed 2015 budget to our residents to seek feedback from them before adopting the budget at the end of March.
EOC opens
In July, our Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) was opened again as a result of the Puntzi Lake Interface Wildfire. The EOC provided assistance to residents and co-ordinated efforts to ensure public safety.
Our EOC website and Facebook page became the go-to place for news media, agencies, and the public for up to date information during the fire season. Our staff and many volunteers worked tirelessly side by side to meet the needs of the people directly affected by the fires, evacuations and alerts for the duration of the Puntzi Lake fire.
We are most appreciative to Emergency Management BC for continuing to support our staff during emergencies.
As with the Mount Polley tailing pond breach of 2014 and the firestorms of 2010, our staff is to be commended for their dedication to helping those in need and finding solutions to daily challenges as they presented themselves.
Tailing pond breach
Throughout 2015, the CRD continued to monitor the Mount Polley situation and attended many sessions discussing the temporary discharge permits. The CRD met with Chief Donna Dixon of the Soda Creek First Nation to hear the band’s concerns about the discharge permits and continue to meet with Chief Anne Louie of the Williams Lake Indian Band to discover ways in which we can all collectively move forward in the aftermath of Mount Polley.
Mount Polley will be a major project we will continue to work on and monitor with all of our First Nations and Non First Nations communities to create a better tomorrow for all residents.
Expansion referendums
On Aug. 29, the CRD's chief election officer declared the results as official for the South Cariboo Highway Rescue and the Deka Lake Fire Service expansion referendums.
Around 700 South Cariboo residents participated in the two referendums through advance polls, mail ballots and general voting day.
Board on the Road
The second Board on the Road event took place on Sept. 10-11.
The first day featured a community to community forum with the Canim Lake Indian Band. This event was the first step in strengthening our relationship, exploring shared services and developing a memorandum of understanding with the Canim Lake First Nation.
We look forward to continuing discussions in the coming year and the formalization of agreements between our communities.
During the evening, the CRD hosted the traditional Board on the Road barbecue that was a community fundraiser for the Forest Grove Community Association, which used the money raised to help repair the roof on the Forest Grove Community Hall.
Wheelchair accessible trails
During 2015, the CRD unveiled six new wheelchair accessible trails throughout the region, including the 108 Lake, Dugan Lake, Barkerville Cemetery Trail, Kostas Cove, Claymine and the Stanley Cemetery accessible trails.
Orange Shirt Day
The CRD declared Sept. 30 annually as Orange Shirt Day.
The municipalities within the region, along with School District 27 and 28 have also made this same declaration to aide in the healing and reconciliation process and to create a better future for generations to come.
Conclusion
So often we forget how far we have come, and the challenges and issues we have overcome, or resolved along the way. Part of the reason for this report is to remind you of our accomplishments, and to compliment you on your successes.
Creating new partnerships, enhancing services, undertaking capital projects, informing the public and responding to residents' needs is what building this region is all about. Our organization will continue to respond to community and residents' needs thereby achieving our goal of: Building Communities Together.
I would like to thank all the board members and staff for your dedication, perseverance and support throughout 2015."