Publication Date: December 9, 2025   

Committee of the Whole November 24, 2025

Draft Official Community Plan Update  

Regional Council received an update on the Official Community Plan Draft, including a revised vision statement refined through the Advisory Committee and the recent Committee of the Whole meeting. Council expressed collective gratitude to staff and committee members for their extensive work, noting the draft’s improved clarity, readability, and inclusiveness compared to the 2011 version. They acknowledged the significant effort required to navigate unexpected challenges—such as natural disasters and legislative changes—and emphasized that the project’s progress was made possible through the committee’s active participation and the team’s professionalism and adaptability.

Draft OCP Presentation Document | Video Recording

Government Transfers Policy Update

Council reviewed the updated DRAFT Government Transfers Policy and associated documents, reflecting feedback from community engagement and prior Council direction, including maintaining the 70/30 funding split for smaller projects. Council acknowledged that while a baseline for funding is needed, exact amounts for 2026 cannot yet be determined; large proposals will be assessed at budget time, while smaller requests can be considered later in the year. Staff will monitor applications through the year, with Council directing that the Policy be reviewed in Q3 2026 to establish a formal funding formula for future years. The Policy clarifies the supplementary nature of funding, requirements for financial statements, multi-year planning, and accountability measures, and will replace the existing Discretionary Grants-in-Aid Policy.

COTW Report #24/25 | DRAFT Policy | Program Guide
Application | Sample Funding Agreement | Video Recording

Regional Council November 24, 2025

Secondary Arena Bleachers Updated Costs 

The Secondary Arena, originally a practice facility, has limited seating and accessibility. In 2023, Council secured up to $100,000 in NDIT funding and approved a total project budget of $235,000 for permanent bleachers. Project costs have since risen to $289,000, with an additional $32,000 expected for demolition and installation, plus pending engineering and inspection fees. Cost increases are primarily due to:

• Accessibility code updates increasing design and engineering costs

• Stair redesign for the Old Wolves Dressing Room to fit new bleachers

• Rising material costs over the two-year design and redesign period

Council discussion noted that work could commence in Spring (April/May) or potentially over the Christmas break with minimal disruption. Council members were asked if they agreed to proceed with the project, and their agreement was received.

Admin Report #57/25 | Video Recording

Community FireSmart and Resiliency Recommendation 

Regional Council approved that the Northern Rockies Regional Municipality (NRRM) request a letter of permission from Peak Fort Nelson Properties Ltd. to grade and barricade the southern section of the Pipeline Mainline for emergency preparedness and wildfire response, and allocate $5,000 of the $500,000 Community FireSmart and Resiliency Committee budget to retain a contractor to complete the work. The Community FireSmart & Resiliency Committee (CFRC) recommended this action to improve vehicular access for wildfire suppression and establish an evacuation route while maintaining off-road access. The road section is tenured to Peak Fort Nelson Properties Ltd. via the Ministry of Forests, and preliminary correspondence indicates the tenure holder is agreeable to issuing a permission letter.

Admin Report #58/25 | Map | Video Recording

Regional Council Comittee and Portfolio Appointments 

For 2026, Regional Council approved key appointments as follows:

• Deputy Mayor: Regional Councillor Lorraine Gerwing

• Portfolios: Public Safety and Reconsiliation & Inclusion– Mayor Rob Fraser; Health, Environment & Senior's Affairs – Deputy Mayor Gerwing; Tourism, Arts & Heritage and Education – Councillor Brenda Enax; Agriculture & Rural Development – Councillor Danny Soles; Recreation & Parks – Councillor Kyle Andrews

• Committee/Board Representatives: Community Health Plan – Gerwing; FireSmart & Resiliency – Fraser; Environmental Advisory – Gerwing; Tourism Advisory – Enax; plus appointments to local Societies, the Emergency Operations Committee, Municipal Finance & Insurance authorities, and regional advisory committees which can be found in the report.

Admin Report #59/25 | Video Recording

Staff Appointments, Acting Positions and Responsibilities

Council approved the annual list of staff statutory appointments, other staff appointments, and acting positions, effective December 1, 2025. In accordance with section 9.4 of the NRRM Officer Appointment and Delegation of Authority Bylaw No. 138, 2017, Council reviews and endorses these appointments each year. An updated list was provided and formally approved by resolution.

Admin Report #60/25 | Appointments & Acting Positions and Statutory Responsibilities Video Recording

NRRM Reserves & Surplus Policy Adoption

Council approved updates to the NRRM’s Reserves & Surplus Policy. The changes improve clarity, update references to bylaws, and reorganize the policy for easier understanding. The revised policy also reflects Council’s direction to receive an annual report on reserve fund balances during budget time, and to include affordability as a guiding principle—acknowledging that contributions to reserves can vary with the community’s economic conditions.

Admin Report #61/25 | Policy 59-18 Reserves & Surplus | Video Recording

Zoning Amendment (5100 50th Ave N - Site-Specific Storefront Cannabis Retailer) Bylaw No. 241, 2025 

Council approved First and Second Readings of a bylaw for a site-specific cannabis store and will move the proposal to a Public Hearing for community input. Approval is not guaranteed, as the applicant must also meet provincial requirements. A public hearing date will be announced soon.

Bylaw Report #241/25 | Site Context | Applicant Letter | Zoning Amendment Bylaw
Video Recording

Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 242, 2025

Council gave First and Second Readings to the new Official Community Plan (OCP) Bylaw No. 242, 2025, which will replace the 2011 plan. The updated OCP reflects current community values, emerging development trends, and new legislative requirements.

A Public Hearing was held on December 8, 2025, at 6:00 pm to gather input from residents before final adoption. The plan was developed with extensive public and stakeholder engagement, including open houses, surveys, and guidance from the OCP Advisory Committee.

Bylaw Report #242/25 | Community Profile | OCP Bylaw No. 242, 2025 | Video Recording

Correspondence

For Information

Letter to Premier David Eby and Honorable Members of the Legislative Assembly 
Bill M216 the Professional Reliance Act 

Correspondence

Letter from Miguel Morrissette, Assistant Deputy Minister real Property Division, Ministry of Citizens' Services
Update - 2025 Annual Grants in Lieu of Property Taxes 

Correspondence

Letter from George Anderson, MLA Nanaimo-Lantzville
Professional Reliance Act

Correspondence

Career Opportunities at the NRRM

northernrockies.ca/careers

Bidding Opportunities

northernrockies.ca/bids

No bidding opportunities at the time of publishing. 

Opportunties and Notices

northernrockies.ca/notices

Bear With Us – Winter Is in Full Swing!

On average, Fort Nelson receives 17.4 cm of snow during the entire month of December. However, in just the first 8 days of this month, we’ve already received 22 cm, surpassing the 10-year monthly average in just over a week!

Our Public Works crews are actively responding to the increased snowfall with road clearing, sanding, and priority-route maintenance to help keep the community safe. We appreciate your patience as we work through this higher-than-normal accumulation.

A few reminders during heavy snowfall:
• Give plows plenty of space to work
• Keep vehicles clear of roadways when possible
• Drive with caution and allow extra travel time
• Report any hazards to Public Works

Thank you for helping keep our community safe this winter. Stay warm and drive safely!

Council Reports

Stay Informed!