From the Bear Pit Council News | | Publication Date: January 21, 2026 | Committee of the Whole January 12, 2026 | Deloitte Economic Development Strategy Discussion Deloitte presented the NRRM’s Economic Development Strategy, highlighting five key opportunity areas: agriculture, tourism, logistics, critical infrastructure, and partnerships. Council and consultants discussed the potential and challenges of each. -
Agriculture: Strong community interest and untapped land; potential to supply northern markets. More research is needed on demand and supply chain logistics. -
Tourism: Focus on high-value visitors and unique wilderness experiences; opportunities exist to better coordinate marketing and transportation. -
Logistics & Infrastructure: Fort Nelson could serve as a northern hub; rail infrastructure is a key barrier. Community-led solutions and partnerships may help. -
Partnerships: Collaboration with Indigenous communities, regional partners, and investors is critical. Streamlined business supports and clear referral pathways can improve effectiveness. -
Overall Strategy: The vision of NRRM as a “gateway” is resonant; initiatives are aimed at producing tangible results within the next Council term, while supporting long-term industrial growth. Next Steps: Further research, partnership development, and coordination across sectors are needed to advance these opportunities. Deloitte Strategic Priorities | Video Recording | 2025 Union of BC Municipalities Annual Convention Update CAO Barry, along with the Mayor and Council, reported on the meetings attended, including several across Ministries to address the NRRM’s obligations under the Fire Safety Act and the challenges posed by the region’s geographic scope in implementing the new regulations. The Ministry of Municipal Affairs acknowledged the delinquent tax issue and committed to continuing discussions on potential options to mitigate impacts on the NRRM, including the notion of the Province's sharing of financial risk. While no formal commitment was made, there was an understanding of the issue’s impact. Meeting Highlights: -
CT Scanner; Ministry of Infrastructure & Minister of Health: Plans are underway to coordinate an agenda and request an additional meeting. -
Attorney General & Bail Reform: Work on bail reform is already in progress. The meeting emphasized points already raised, including the Minister’s letter outlining ongoing work. -
Senior’s Advocate & Senior Services: The parties appear interested in the initiatives underway. A meeting with the Senior’s Advocate is planned for this Spring. -
Minister of Forests: There is evidence that the Minister supports forestry initiatives locally and could be a strong advocate for NRRM within Cabinet. -
The NRRM was presented with the first inaugural Health Care Champion Award by the BC Nurses Union for the meaningful action taken to support nurses and strengthen health care in our community. It was a full week with many, if not brief, meetings, but the sessions provided valuable opportunities to build relationships, identify potential avenues for collaboration, and advance key points. The Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) convention serves as a forum for local governments to meet with provincial officials, advocate for their communities, share information, and strengthen partnerships that can help progress initiatives. These interactions, while quick, are an important step in creating momentum on complex issues affecting the NRRM. COTW Report #01/26 | Briefing Notes | CT Scanner Project Profile
Impacts on NRRM Land Base | Improving Non-Emergency HealthTravel | Video Recording
   | Regional Council January 12, 2026 | Establishment of a Select Committee of Council – Primary Care Stabilization The Northern Rockies Regional Municipality approved the formation of a Primary Care Planning Committee to help ensure stable primary healthcare services in our community. The Committee will explore ways to maintain the local clinic and its doctors' availability, examine partnerships, and plan for future service models. The decision was made for Deputy Mayor Gerwing to Chair the Committee, which will include community, physician and health provider input. A draft Terms of Reference will be prepared for Council review, and the Committee will report back with recommendations. This is a proactive step to protect local healthcare and plan for the future. Admin Report #01/26 | Video Recording | 2026 WildSafeBC Community Coordinator Grant Application Approval was given to submit an application for the 2026 WildSafeBC Community Coordinator program. Due to some issues with last year’s contractor, WildSafeBC has generously waived the NRRM’s annual $6,000 contribution for this season. The program promotes safe coexistence with wildlife, and the Municipality will look for ways for local residents to provide input and support the next Coordinator’s work. Admin Report #02/26 | Video Recording | Recruitment of Chief Election Officer for 2026 General Local Elections Regional Council approved that in planning for 2026 General Local Elections to recruit a Chief Election Officer. In the past, this role was filled internally, but due to organizational changes and workloads, the Municipality is now looking to hire from outside the organization, with internal staff supporting as Deputies. This approach ensures the election is well-managed and adequately resourced, keeping the process smooth and transparent for the community. Admin Report #03/26 | Video Recording | BC Hydro Power Outages Regional Council directed staff to send a letter to BC Hydro on behalf of a resident asking for a clear explanation of planned and recent pole replacement work, especially during weather events and emergencies. The letter, sent in early January, will appear in the January 26th meeting correspondence. Council emphasized the need for response to address community concerns about safety, reliability, and communication during planned outages. Email | Video Recording | Northern Lights College - Fort Nelson Community Advisory Group Northern Lights College is forming a Fort Nelson Community Advisory Group to provide local input on college initiatives. The NRRM received a letter suggesting that staff sit on the committee. Council is confirming the proposed representatives are aware and interested, and that the advisory group reflects the needs of both the community and the College. Letter | Video Recording | Pile Work Happening at the NRRM Recreation Centre Regional Council received an email from BMK Piling and Anchor regarding the signs project located near the Recreation Centre, noting that their company could complete the work. Staff forwarded the inquiry to Northern BC Tourism Association, who responded on December 31, with Council receiving a copy. During discussion, Council emphasized the importance of fair opportunities for local businesses, noting that current processes should be clear and accessible. Concerns were raised about how contractors are selected, including the use of BC Bid, and the need for policies that reflect expectations for local participation. Council agreed to draft a response to Northern BC Tourism, highlighting the points raised and reinforcing the Municipality’s commitment to supporting local contractors wherever possible. Letter | Video Recording | Code of Conduct Regional Council discussed the importance of having a robust Code of Conduct for elected officials. While the Municipality currently has some guidance, staff have been tasked to bring back a sample code of conduct that ensures proper processes for receiving and responding to complaints and addressing any breaches fairly. With a new Council incoming this year, the document will be adaptable so it can be shaped to reflect the priorities and expectations of the new members. Community Charter | Video Recording | Email Poll for Ratification - Rescind Grant-in-Aid Policy The Northern Rockies Regional Municipality has rescinded Grant-in-Aid Policy #47-10, replacing it with the Government Transfer Policy #73-25. The Grant-in-Aid program, in place since 1982, provided discretionary funding of up to $1,000 per organization per year for community programs and events, prioritizing youth, seniors, disadvantaged groups, and projects benefiting the broader community. The new Government Transfers Program offers transparent, fair, and accessible funding for local non-profits, supporting operating costs, events, and capital projects at various levels of funding. Decisions for awards over $15,000 are made by Council, with clear eligibility and reporting requirements to ensure accountability. Applications are accepted through quarterly, biannual, or annual intakes, depending on grant size, with the annual budget tied to a percentage of the Municipality’s prior-year operating budget. This updated approach emphasizes sustainability, partnerships, and alignment with regional priorities to enhance community well-being, the local economy, and the environment. Email | Video Recording | Career Opportunities at the NRRM | northernrockies.ca/careers | northernrockies.ca/notices | Public Hearing - Site Specific Zoning Amendment 5100 50th Ave N A Public Hearing will be held at the Northern Rockies Regional Municipality Municipal Office located at 5319 - 50th Avenue South, Fort Nelson, BC at 6:00 pm on Monday January 26, 2026 for the purpose of providing the public with an opportunity to address Regional Council respecting matters contained in the proposed “Zoning Amendment (5100 50th Ave N- Site-specific Storefront Cannabis Retailer) Bylaw No. 241, 2025. An opportunity to attend or address Council in the Public Hearing will also be available virtually. To submit comments in writing, or to recieve information on how to participate virtually, please email admin@northernrockies.ca. The purpose of the Zoning Amendment Bylaw is specific to a parcel located at 5100 50th Ave N, legally described as Block A District Lot 1581 Peace River District Except Plans 18361 and EPP39083 (PID 012-888-150), where the Fort Hotel complex is located. The property is zoned C-1 Commercial Core, and because cannabis retail is not a permitted use in any zone under the current Zoning Bylaw, such uses may only be considered on a case-by-case basis. The proposed amendment to the Northern Rockies Regional Municipality Zoning Bylaw No. 119, 2016 would allow a site-specific allowance, permitting the storefront cannabis retailer use. Copies of the proposed bylaw and related documents can be inspected at the NRRM Municipal Office, Monday to Friday between 8:30 am and 4:30 pm from January 12, 2026 to January 26, 2026 or on the NRRM website at www.northernrockies.ca. Any persons who believe their interest in property may be affected by the proposed bylaw shall be afforded the opportunity to be heard in person, by a representative or by written submission, on the matters contained within the proposed bylaws at the Public Hearing. Those unable to attend the Public Hearing may submit their comments in advance, in writing to: Northern Rockies Regional Municipality PO Bag Service 399, 5319 – 50th Avenue South Fort Nelson, BC V0C 1R0 Attention: Radha Adhikari Or by email: admin@northernrockies.ca Submissions received after the close of the Public Hearing will not be considered by Council. For more information, please contact Radha Adhikari, Regional Planner at 250-774-2541 ext. 2044. 
|  Happy New Year! There will be many things happening this year in the NRRM. The senior management team will change significantly. Implementation plans will be put into place for the new Official Community Plan and the new Governmental Transfers Policy. I hope to see a revised and more robust Council Code of Conduct and of course this is the year of a Municipal Election.
You may have already heard that there a few retirements of senior personnel happening this year. Both Scott Barry our CAO and
Erin La Vale our Deputy CAO are leaving to enjoy well deserved retirements. It is sad to see both these professionals leave as they have contributed to a very strong organization. The exciting part of this is that they have developed a very strong team of managers to take over the operations of the municipality. It will be Councils job now to hire a new CAO to lead the team. We have created a hiring committee and we have started that process. We intend to have a new CAO hired and in place before Scott leaves in October so there is some transition time. The new Official Community Plan received Third reading and Adoption at the last council meeting. The Official Community plan is a very important document in the municipal world. This plan sets the direction for so many areas of municipal planning and development from Housing to Recreation. Staff will be developing an implementation strategy for 2026 and I look forward to reviewing that. The Governmental Transfers Policy is a policy that guides how the municipality will grant money to community groups that provide a service or benefit to the town but not directly to municipal operations. It was policy long in the making with significant review and feedback from residents. It is a work in progress and is being implemented for this budget year. This years’ applications should give us an estimate of the need in our community and whether we can figure a way to sustain those transfers over the long term. I introduced a motion to have staff develop a draft of a Council Code of Conduct. This is a document that outlines the way council members conduct themselves while they hold a position on council. It should discuss ethical behaviour when dealing with each other, staff and the public. Reference to communication processes, a process for lodging complaints and investigating them and any action as a result of an investigation are also included. Council will consider the draft and determine what will be in the final draft for approval. Finally, this fall will bring a municipal election. Council authorized staff to hire a Chief Election Officer. There should be somebody locally who has the ability to run the election. It is a legislated and controlled process and there is provincial training to assist election workers. Council agreed with the staff recommendation that with the senior staff turnover and the work load of the current staff, that could be involved, that an external hire would be appropriate for this election. Until next month, stay warm! Rob Fraser, Mayor NRRM | Council reported on the meetings, activites and appointments to Committees/Boards related to their roles on Council. Video Recording | | Interested in all things Recreation!? Check out NRRM’s Leisure Guide. We publish three guides each year:
Winter, Spring/Summer, Fall northernrockies.ca/Leisure | | | | | |
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