From the Bear Pit Council News | | Publication Date: February 19, 2026 | Committee of the Whole January 26, 2026 | Community Wildfire and Resiliency Plan Council received a presentation from Wildfire Project Manager Amy Edgar with Geoterra on the Community Wildfire Resiliency Plan. The plan identifies wildfire risks and helps open access to future grant funding for prevention and safety projects. Community engagement took place at the Farmers Market, the Recreation Centre, and in Toad River, with additional input from the resiliency committee. A draft plan is expected by the end of February, with final submission planned before the end of March. Once approved, the plan will support future wildfire resiliency funding opportunities. CWRP Presentation | Video Recording | Community FireSmart and Resiliency Committee Update 2025 Accomplishments Council received an update on the 2025 accomplishments of the Community FireSmart and Resiliency Committee. Over the past year, the committee held 17 meetings and brought forward nine reports to Council, supported by strong participation from dedicated community members. Including community meetings and pop-up events, school presentations by the Fire Department, and 84 FireSmart ignition zone assessments, supported by a new tracking tool. The committee also worked closely with BC Hydro, the Ministry of Forests, BC Wildfire Service, and Northern Rockies Fire Rescue, including coordination during last year’s wildfire events. Several grants were secured and most of the approved budget has been used, with total spending under $30,000. Ongoing projects include a water source project expected to be completed in February, grading work, and planned burning of brush piles at Parker Lake, pending safe conditions. Council thanked the committee for its hard work and noted the importance of helping residents understand that while wildfire risk remains high, actions taken on individual properties can make a significant difference. COTW Report #02/26 CFRC Update | Video Recording | Environmental Action Committee Updates Council received an update on the Environmental Advisory Committee (EAC). The committee meets four to five times per year and continues to support environmental and sustainability initiatives in the community. Highlights included the success of the FoodCycler pilot project, the Environmental Action Challenge, and other outreach efforts. The committee also reviewed the Solid Waste Management Plan, supported waste diversion initiatives, and provided input on climate action projects and program outreach, including composting and organics diversion. Council thanked the committee for its work and dedication. Diversion statistics were shared, showing progress in reducing waste. The EAC remains a valuable resource for Council, bringing together residents with a shared interest in environmental sustainability. Applications to join the committee are accepted on an ongoing basis, with new members to be considered by Council in early 2026. Environmental Action Committee Update | Video Recording | Public Hearing January 26, 2026 | Regional Council January 26, 2026 | Solid Waste Management Plan Update Regional Council approved the start of the 10-year update to the Solid Waste Management Plan. The project is in its initiation stage, with GHD supporting engagement and analysis. Public consultation — including surveys, workshops, online engagement, and First Nations engagement — will be part of the process. Stay tuned for public notification and opportunities to provide input. Admin Report #04/26 | Video Recording | DRAFT Terms of Reference; Northern Rockies Primary Care Stabilization Planning Committee Regional Council reviewed and approved the draft Terms of Reference (TOR) for the Northern Rockies Primary Care Stabilization Committee. The TOR, developed with input from Deputy Mayor Gerwing and leveraging NRRM best practices, outlines the committee’s purpose, structure, and responsibilities. A proposed budget of $65,000 has been identified — $35,000 from the Regional Advocacy budget and $30,000 from the Health Professional Services budget — with internal staffing costs estimated at $37,000. A Special Project will support research, analysis of successful primary care models, and consultation with experts and stakeholders. Admin Report #05/26 | DRAFT Terms of Reference | Video Recording | Interim Audit Report The Regional Municipality’s annual audit includes an interim audit (completed the week of October 27, 2025) and a final audit (scheduled for the week of March 2, 2026). Audited financial statements are due to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs by May 15, 2026. The interim audit confirmed that internal controls are functioning adequately but identified three areas for improvement: -
Paramount PO Process – The purchase order system is not always used at the start of transactions, limiting its effectiveness. Staff training and software updates are underway to ensure full implementation in 2026. -
Tangible Capital Assets – Useful Lives – Some assets have not been updated to reflect renovations or remain in use after full amortization. A full review of asset useful lives and the procedure manual will take place during year-end preparation. -
Work in Progress – Some long-standing projects, such as the Industrial Park Subdivision Development, remain in work-in-progress. These projects will be reviewed to ensure accurate classification and recording in the financial statements. Improvements are underway, including staff training, software updates, and year-end reviews of assets and ongoing projects. Admin Report #06/26 | Interim Audit Report | Video Recording | HEAM Homes Society Request for NRRM Partnership - Land Use and Grant Eligibility Support for Proposed Long-Term Care/Assisted Living Facility Council discussed a request for NRRM partnership to support land use and grant eligibility for a proposed facility. Deputy Mayor emphasized the urgent need and moving forward without delay. NRRM staff to work with the proponent, engage local senior service groups, and review questions for Council in coordination with stakeholders. Letter from Henry Mpudzi | Video Recording | CN Rail Regional Council expressed interest in supporting local rail initiatives and will connect with the Economic Diversification Project proponents. Staff directed to explore opportunities for private partnerships, stakeholder engagement, and potential rail expansion to support regional growth. Letter from Claude Normandeau | Video Recording | Northern Lights College - Fort Nelson Community Advisory Group (Small Campus Revitilization) Council discussed representation on the Fort Nelson Community Advisory Group for the Small Campus Revitalization project. While Ms. Hillary Sheppard, Regional Development Officer, was recommended as the NRRM representative, members noted the value of including a councillor to bring the public perspective. Council confirmed the appointment of Ms. Sheppard as NRRM’s representative and agreed to send a letter of thanks to NLC, while also requesting follow-up to reinforce key messages from the previous letter regarding decision of cancellation of the 3rd year of the Automotive Technician Program. Letter from Floyd Bertrand | Video Recording | Safety Risk at Highway Entrance Serving Pink Mountain Campground On January 8, 2026, NRRM raised safety concerns about the narrow highway entrance to Pink Mountain Campground, where large trucks stopping in the turning lane create hazards and there is limited space for safe turning or turnaround—particularly for trailers. Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) has reviewed the site and does not support reinstating a second northern access, citing safety and access management concerns. Measures are being considered to improve safety, including “No Stopping” signage, speed monitoring, driveway grading corrections, and adjustments to internal circulation for large vehicles. Use of Cypress Creek Road as a secondary access is encouraged, with additional signage planned. NRRM cannot lead the issue; it was suggested that the Peace River Regional District’s Electoral Area B, which includes the Pink Mountain area, take the lead. The matter remains on a watch list pending further correspondence from PRRD. Letter to Brad Sperling | Letter from Sarah Trouwborst | Video Recording | Request for Municipal Support - Indigenous-Led, Cross-Sectoral Housing Alliance Aboriginal Housing and Managment Association requested a meeting with NRRM to discuss an Indigenous-led, cross-sectoral Housing Alliance aimed at addressing off-reserve Indigenous housing needs in BC. They seek municipal support to advance a UBCM resolution and would like a council presentation or discussion. NRRM staff advised them to follow the municipality’s regular delegation process. Email from AHMA Communications | Video Recording | Consultation on Proposed Update to Wildfire Regulation On January 19, 2026, Rob Schweitzer, Assistant Deputy Minister of the BC Wildfire Service, wrote to NRRM regarding a proposed administrative update to the Wildfire Regulation. The update would replace the outdated reference to the Town of Fort Nelson with the Northern Rockies Regional Municipality in section 2.1 of the Regulation. This change ensures that the wildfire prevention provisions of the Wildfire Act apply throughout the NRRM, except in areas already regulated by the municipality through bylaws, fire departments, or public reporting systems. Background: The Town of Fort Nelson was included in the prescribed municipalities list in 2009, shortly after NRRM was incorporated, but the legal designation was never updated. This has created potential challenges for wildfire prevention and enforcement. The Ministry is seeking feedback from NRRM on the proposed amendment by February 27, 2026, and is available to meet with municipal representatives to discuss the update. The goal is to clearly define wildfire prevention responsibilities across NRRM. Letter from Rob Schweitzer | Video Recording | Committee of the Whole February 9, 2026 | Linda's Friendship Lodge - Project Overview for 4903 Sunset Development/Parking Kelly Edzerza-Bapty from Obsidian Architecture presented the early design for a 23-unit housing building in Fort Nelson at the corner of Sunset Drive and 49th Avenue. The project includes a mix of 1- and 2-bedroom units, with 8 accessible units. A total of 29 parking stalls are proposed, meeting bylaw requirements. To achieve this, a variance is required to allow two parking stalls outside the property line and 10 stalls that partially straddle the property line. The plan also includes visitor and accessible parking. The layout is designed to reduce traffic conflicts, limit winter idling near neighboring homes, and ensure proper fire access. The project has been in development for about a year after earlier funding delays, with Krista Ferguson representing the funding body, Aboriginal Housing Management Association (AHMA). Video Recording | Update on Government Transfers Policy for 2026 For 2026, 12 new funding applications have been received, totaling just under $1 million. Six applications are from organizations that have not previously received annual funding. One request is under $5,001 and will be handled internally, while the remaining 11 are over $15,000. Staff are finalizing details with three organizations and will screen all applications before presenting a report to Council. The newly approved Government Transfer Policy sets deadlines, eligibility, and reporting requirements. Requests under $5,000 are approved internally, $5,001–$15,000 are reviewed by staff with a Council report, and over $15,000 are reviewed by a staff working group before Council approval. Staff are also assisting organizations to ensure they can apply under the new guidelines. COTW Report #04/26 | Video Recording | Town Hall Accessibility Improvements At the January 24, 2025 Committee of the Whole meeting, staff presented options to improve accessibility at Town Hall. Current limitations include restricted first-floor access and no second-floor access. The team considered a wheelchair stair lift and a vertical screw lift. While a stair lift provides basic access, the screw lift allows independent, dignified movement between floors and better aligns with universal design principles. The project also includes raising the pit area, reconfiguring workspaces, creating new usable areas, installing accessible counters, and adding a platform lift to connect the second floor and mid-level offices. Pre-design costs are $1.2–$1.3 million, with $140,000 from the Enabling Accessibility Fund (grant deadline June 2026) applied toward lifts. Construction is anticipated in 2027. The project provides long-term value, removes barriers, and supports more efficient and accessible use of the building. COTW Report #05/26 | Video Recording | Regional Council February 9, 2026 | NRRM Proclaims February 16-22, 2026 as Heritage Week The Northern Rockies Regional Municipality proclamed the week of February 16-22, 2026 as Heritage Week. This week celebrates the Municipality’s rich history, preserved in its Museum, Public Library, historic sites, and cultural landscapes. Residents are encouraged to explore the stories, traditions, and heritage that shape our community and pass this legacy to future generations. This year’s theme, "Stir the Pot," invites everyone to dig deeper into the many layers of our community’s past. Proclamation | Video Recording | Recreation Sites and Trails Update The report provided an update on Recreation Sites and Trails, including work completed in 2025 and planned for 2026 at Parker Lake, the Demonstration Forest, and Skook’s Landing. Planned 2026 work includes expanding and defining parking and day-use areas at Parker Lake, extending the dock, and improving trails and signage. At the Demonstration Forest, NRRM and Recreation Sites and Trails BC is working toward a Partnership Agreement to formalize NRRM’s maintenance role. Skook’s Landing will see installation of kiosks highlighting Kaska history, donors, and general notices. Recreation Sites and Trails BC noted there may be an opportunity for NRRM to assume ownership of some sites. Council expressed interest in exploring this further, gathering community feedback, and considering which high-use sites could be taken over. Admin Report #07/26 | Video Recording | Development Variance Permit Application DVP-2502; Variance of Off-Street Parking Requirements (4903 Sunset Drive) The Fort Nelson Aboriginal Friendship Centre Society has applied for Development Variance Permit DVP-2502 at 4903 Sunset Drive to reduce on-site parking from 29 to 17 stalls for a 23-unit accessible, affordable apartment building. Twelve additional stalls and part of a maneuvering aisle are proposed in the 49th Street and Sunset Drive right-of-way (ROW), which would require separate NRRM approval. One stall does not meet bylaw dimensions, but eight accessible stalls are provided, exceeding the minimum. The variance supports affordable housing and neighborhood compatibility by retaining landscaped space but relies on future ROW agreements for full functionality. Staff recommend initiating public notification while the applicant pursues ROW agreements or potential sale to secure the remaining parking. Admin Report #09/26 | Context Area Map | Site Plan | Video Recording | Recruitment & Retention Education & Training Incentive Q4 Update The RRETI Program supported recruitment and retention of health care professionals in the Northern Rockies throughout 2025 by providing welcome packages, financial incentives, housing, training, and transportation support. Total incentives disbursed (excluding welcome packages) amounted to $66,481.53, slightly exceeding the allocated budget by $11,481.53, while welcome packages of $4,500 remain within the $12,000 budget. Incentives were provided to Registered Nurses, Physicians, Pharmacists, Lab Managers/Technicians, and Chiropractors, with some housing needs met through donated condos, including one sublet for acute care staff at Fort Nelson General Hospital. Feedback indicates participants highly value the program, with several new applicants recently referred to employers as a direct result of the incentives. Staff will continue to monitor budget and uptake to ensure the program effectively supports recruitment and integration of health care professionals into the community. Admin Report #10/26 | Video Recording | Revenue Anticipation Borrowing Bylaw No. 243, 2026 The Revenue Anticipation Borrowing Bylaw No. 243, 2026 was adopted as presented. This bylaw authorizes the Northern Rockies Regional Municipality to borrow up to $1,000,000 from the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, if required, to meet current lawful municipal expenditures. Borrowing will be on the Municipality’s revolving credit at a rate not exceeding the bank’s prime rate. Repayment obligations will be documented via promissory notes signed by the Mayor and Municipal Financial Officer. RM 243 Revenue Anticipation Borrowing Bylaw | Video Recording | Bulk Fuel Light Industrial – Fuel Storage and Liability A motion was put forward to reconsider the adoption of OCP Bylaw No. 242, 2025 to complete the site-specific zoning amendment under Zoning Bylaw 238 for the Bulk Fuel Station, as the process began under the previous OCP, to ensure procedural fairness. Staff are investigating whether reconsideration would return the OCP to third reading or require all three readings to be completed again, noting that such reconsideration typically must occur at the meeting following adoption or within the 30-day window, which this falls within. The business has been waiting, and the matter is being reviewed to be addressed as soon as convenient. The Mayor intends to exercise his Mayor's discretion under Community Charter while staff assess potential impacts on the recently adopted OCP. Because the OCP was adopted while the Bulk Fuel site-specific zoning process was underway, the zoning amendment request may face additional restrictions to ensure consistency with the new OCP. Admin Report #08/26 | Video Recording | Letter of Support Requested for CultureFest 2026 Council approved the Northern Rockies Regional Municipality’s support for the Fort Nelson Community Literacy Society in their application to the Northern Development Initiative Trust (NDIT) for $2,500 to support CultureFest 2026. CultureFest, held annually since 2016, celebrates cultural diversity, inclusion, and community connection, bringing together Indigenous Peoples, newcomers, long-time residents, local organizations, artists, and volunteers through food, music, art, and cultural sharing. This year’s funding will support essential event costs, particularly food and materials, helping remove barriers to participation for cultural groups. Letter | Video Recording | BC Rural Health Network Membership Renewal and Request for Support Council considered a request from the BC Rural Health Network (BCRHN) for membership renewal and an additional donation to support their ongoing advocacy for rural health in British Columbia. Deputy Mayor Gerwing noted the pressing need for rural health support, highlighting over 30 local children currently on waitlists, and recommended renewing the $50 membership with an additional $5,000 donation. Council acknowledged the budget consideration, and staff advised that the membership had already been auto-renewed. BCRHN emphasizes the importance of continued support to address challenges in rural and remote health care, including gaps in emergency and primary care, travel and accommodation burdens for patients, and ongoing policy advocacy. Council’s support helps ensure rural voices are included in policy development and strengthens the Network’s capacity to respond to community needs. Letter | Video Recording | Letter of Support for Fort Nelson Literacy Society's Project - Reaching Home: Canada's Homelessness Strategy Council approved providing a letter of support for the Fort Nelson Community Literacy Society (FNCLS) in support of their application to Reaching Home: Canada’s Homelessness Strategy, delivered through the BC Regional Advisory Board under the Rural and Remote Homelessness stream. FNCLS has led local efforts to address homelessness and precarious housing through the Homelessness Action Initiative in partnership with SPARC BC. The proposed project will provide direct client support via case management, strengthen coordination among local service providers, and continue local data collection to better respond to housing instability. Council’s endorsement will strengthen the FNCLS application and demonstrate municipal support for addressing homelessness in the Northern Rockies. Letter | Video Recording | For Information
Letter sent to Floyd Betrand, Campus Administor
Northern Lights College Fort Nelson Community Advisory Group (Small Campus Revitilization) Correspondence
Letter to April Moi, Destination Development Manager, Northern BC Toruism Association
Request for Clarification on GNCR Signage Procurement Process Correspondence
Letter from Tamara Davidson, Minister of Environment and Parks
Inactive Campground within Muncho Lake Park Correspondence
Letter from Dr. Kim, Michelle Lawrence - Northern Health and Dr. Wieman First Nations Health Authority
Letter to Community on Decriminalization Correspondence
Letter from Chrissy Cossentine, Executive Assistant to City Council, City of Kamloops
Certified Resolution, Heritage Conservaton Act Correspondence Recreation Statistics
4th Quarter 2025 Rec Stats
Facility Fee Waiver Report
4th Quarter 2025 Q4 Stats | Career Opportunities at the NRRM | northernrockies.ca/careers | northernrockies.ca/notices | Our New Municipal Website has Launched! We’re excited to share that our new website has officially launched. With a fresh look and improved features, it’s now easier to find the information you need—quickly and efficiently. Updated Notifications -
Public & Legal Notices: Emergency alerts, public notices, and advisories are now posted here to ensure important updates reach everyone. -
Voyent Alert!: Still our primary emergency alert tool. Make sure the app is installed, updated, and your locations are added. -
Events & Engagement: Community events are now featured on our calendar, with social media highlights linking back for full details. -
Municipal Service Updates (NEW): One combined location for road closures, service interruptions, water and sewer notices, garbage updates, and other operational information. Accessibility Improvements -
Better screen reader compatibility -
Clearer navigation and structured content -
Improved contrast and readability Review Your Subscriptions We encourage residents to review and update their notification preferences anytime on the new site. If you need assistance, please contact communications@northernrockies.ca. Thank you for staying informed and engaged with our community! | Interested in all things Recreation!? Check out NRRM’s Leisure Guide. We publish three guides each year:
Winter, Spring/Summer, Fall northernrockies.ca/Leisure | | | | | |
.jpg)
