From the Bear Pit Council News | | Publication Date: May 22, 2026 | Committee of the Whole April 27, 2026 | Northern Energy Dialogues Presentation Sinead Earley (UNBC, Prince George) introduced a five-year, federally funded community energy research project in Northern BC. The first year's Phase 1 was a listening phase called the Northern Regional Energy Dialogue; Phase 2 is "Power for People." The team traveled across the region to gather local priorities. Common priorities: reliable, sustainable energy; local control/sovereignty; economic benefits; and building local capacity and workforce. Participants want energy solutions tied to food, forestry, and fire resilience, and stronger regional collaboration to reduce isolation. Discussions noted abundant local resources (biomass, hydro, geothermal) and underused assets like the railway, while policy, funding, and capacity barriers prevent development. They warned against one-size-fits-all policies and urged the project to support locally tailored solutions, training, and ongoing community partnerships. Research Overview | Northern Dialogues 2026 Guidebook | Video Recording | Healthcare Plan Steering Committee Year in Review and Year Ahead Julianne Kucheran, on behalf of the Urban Matters team (Graham Snow, Sidney Elliot) presented the 2025 year in review for the Community Health Plan Steering Committee (CHPSC). The committee, coordinated and supported by Urban Matters, started in 2017, brings regional health partners including local First Nations together to improve local health services. The CHPSC focuses on six priorities: recruiting and retaining health workers, maternity care, cancer care, mental health and substance use, visiting health services, and virtual care. Having met ten times in 2025, Achievements to date include increasing visiting health services, renewed focus on palliative care, an online “where to go for care” document, communications about missed appointments, and reconvening the Harm Reduction Table. Attendance averages 6–7 of 12 members, and as the committee considered priorities for the year ahead, seniors’ health was noted as an emerging concern. Presentation | Video Recording | Regional Council April 27, 2026 | Northeast BC Tourism Marketing Co-op Overview Since about 2016, eight Northeast BC communities have pooled resources and leveraged Destination BC Co-operative Marketing Partnership Program funding to market the region as a unified tourism destination. The Northeast BC Tourism Marketing Co‑op is funded by annual member contributions and has engaged the Northern BC Tourism Association (NBCTA) under a service agreement to deliver most marketing activities—bringing NBCTA’s marketing expertise, provincial linkage to Destination BC, and coordination across northern marketing efforts—however Regional Council has raised concerns about procurement transparency of NBCTA and has directed staff to send a follow‑up letter to Northeast BC Tourism requesting further information on their procurement practices. COTW Report #10/26 | 2025/2026 Report | Video Recording | Rural Community Immigration Pilot Update The first year of the Rural Community Immigration Pilot has been completed successfully, with a total of 80 recommendations for permanent residency reported across Northeast British Columbia. Demand from employers in the Northeast was strong: staff identified approximately 290 employers expressing interest (28 employers in the NRRM). Nine candidates from the NRRM were ultimately recommended to the Federal government for permanent residency, all of which were already living in the community. A key constraint of the program remains that final selection rests with the federal government, limiting local control over outcomes. The recent discussion at the Federal level about extensions for foreign workers could open additional pathways, but there is concern that extensions may merely delay addressing underlying barriers rather than resolving them. A further review of the program’s effectiveness and next steps is recommended to determine whether the RCIP is achieving intended long-term benefits for the community. COTW Report #11/26 | Video Recording | Recreation Sites Transfer Information and Process Following NRRM inquiries to the Province, an offer has been made to transfer of Parker Lake and the Demonstration Forest (and potentially the motorized trail licensed to the Snowmobile Club) to the NRRM. Staff launched a public survey during the trade show weekend to gather community and stakeholder feedback to help in development of site‑specific reports that outline options for long‑term ownership or lease, detailed annual maintenance and infrastructure costs, liability and volunteer‑capacity considerations, and how each site aligns with the NRRM Tourism Strategy and Action Plan. Council will review the findings before deciding whether to accept any transfers, with a likely phased approach (Parker Lake prioritized given current high use and planned dock upgrades). Admin Report #27/26 | Video Recording | Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 242, 2025 Adoption Following Council’s February 9, 2026 resolution to reconsider adoption under s.131 of the Community Charter, the Northern Rockies Regional Municipality Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 242, 2025 was brought forward for adoption. With the Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 238, 2025 process having concluded on April 13, 2026, Council adopted the OCP. An administrative correction was noted on one parcel zoned C‑5 (Off‑Highway Recreational Commercial), having been was previously incorrectly shown in Schedule A‑1 as Light Industrial. Bylaw Report #242a/25 | Map Land Use Designations | NRRM OCP | Video Recording | South Peace Health Services Society Liasion Appointment Request A formal request was received requesting a member of Council be appointed as a liaison to the South Peace Health Services Society (SPHSS). Mainly SPHSS focuses on the operation of the Butlerys House in Dawson Creek, which many local residents use when travelling outside of Fort Nelson for medical appointments. Deputy Mayor Gerwing, whose portfolio includes health for the remainder of her term, will serve as liaison and attend meetings; she was formally appointed as Liaison to the South Peace Health Services Society. Video Recording | Annual Celebration Support Request Fort Nelson First Nation is once again preparing to host their Annual Celebration on August 7–9, 2026. This time‑honoured tradition brings members, neighbours and the wider community together for cultural celebration featuring games and activities, drumming, feasting and entertainment. In previous years the event has relied on generous financial and in‑kind support from community partners. Council directed staff to write a letter to advise they will provide reasonable in‑kind support for the Fort Nelson First Nation Annual Celebration (August 7–9, 2026)—such as tents, staging, portable barriers or staff assistance—consistent with past practice, subject to confirmation of specific needs and availability. Letter | Video Recording | Special Regional Council May 11, 2026 | Disposition or Use of Road ROW (4903 Sunset Drive) Regional Council has approved that staff proceed with a license and a statutory easement to allow parts of the municipal road right‑of‑way to be used for parking at 4903 Sunset Drive. This follows the conditional approval of Development Variance Permit DVP2502 on Feb 23, 2026 insert link, which relaxed off‑street parking requirements for the proposed development. Council previously directed staff (Feb 9, 2026) to work with the Friendship Society on using rights‑of‑way on 49th Street and Sunset Drive, and to explore reducing the right‑of‑way to create fee‑simple parcels for potential sale (RM Resolution No. 46/26). Video Recording | Regional Council May 11, 2026 | North Central Local Government Association (NCLGA) Membership Dues Update Staff confirmed that North Central Local Government Association membership dues have been paid through to March 31, 2026, and no further payments will be made when requested, unless directed by Council. At the upcoming May AGM, the current membership-calculation model will be presented along with a simplified version via the annual report; no formal changes are expected at that meeting, but feedback will be sought. A proposal for changes will be prepared for the 2027 AGM. Video Recording | Wild Wolves of Canada Motorcycle Charity Letter of Support Request Regional Council approved providing a letter of support for the 2027 ride, noting the local economic benefits—participants are likely to stay in local hotels and dine in local restaurants. Council also recognized the ride’s connection to the Economic Diversification Strategy and highlighted ongoing concerns about high food prices in the NWT and Yukon. Letter | April 27 Video Recording | May 11 Video Recording | Economic Diversification Strategy Update Deloitte presented the Northern Rockies Regional Municipality (NRRM) Economic Diversification Strategy to Regional Council. The final strategy, delivered mid-April after staff review, builds on work started in June 2025 and includes data review, community engagement, stakeholder interviews, four industry workshops, a Chamber luncheon, and meetings with municipal staff.
The plan aims to diversify the local economy, noting that recommendations do not suggest an abandonment of traditional natural-resource sectors, but focus on improving access to those industries while developing new opportunities in food production, outdoor tourism, and logistics to position the NRRM as a Northern Gateway. The strategy notes challenges such as population decline and infrastructure limits—especially rail, energy, and air service—and includes an implementation plan with clear actions and a checklist to address many issues.
Regional Council praised the report’s clear, practical recommendations and showed strong interest in the logistics hub and food production ideas. Subsequently, at the May 11, 2026 Regional Council meeting, the Economic Diversification Strategy was adopted by Council. April 27 Presentation | Economic Diversification Strategy Final | Video Recording
May 11 Admin Report #28/26 | Video Recording | Award of Northern Rockies Regional Airport Runway 04 SSALR High Intensity Approach Light Rehabilitation Regional Council approved awarding the Runway 04 approach light rehabilitation contract to Black & McDonald Ltd. for $337,262.50, with a contingency of $103,270.00 for optional work; applicable taxes and contingency will apply.
The rehabilitation of the Airport Airside Lighting Systems is a multi-year project funded through the Airports Capital Assistance Program (ACAP). In Spring 2025, ACAP funding was secured to cover engineering and construction for the high‑intensity approach lights on Runway 04‑22. Gibbings Consulting Ltd. was retained to provide engineering services (design, tender documentation and contract administration). Detailed design was finalized in fall 2025 and an Invitation to Tender (ITT) was subsequently issued for the construction phase. Admin Report #29/26 | Video Recording | Award of CIPP Lining and CCTV Investigation Program Regional Council approved awarding the CIPP Lining and CCTV Investigation Program contract to Mar‑Tech Underground Services Ltd. in the amount of $696,320.96, plus applicable taxes and contingency. This work is part of the 2026 Sanitary Sewer Collection Renewal Program, which has a total budget of $1,440,000 with $1,100,000 allocated for CIPP lining. The project will address priority locations identified through NRRM’s recurring CCTV inspection program, with CCTV inspections to be completed both before and after lining to ensure quality and verify results. Admin Report #30/26 | Video Recording | Changes to Northern and Rural Homeowner Benefit Regional Council recognizes that the Province’s proposed change to the Northern & Rural Homeowner Benefit will raise property taxes for many local homeowners, with seniors and people with disabilities likely feeling the impact the most. Council has approved co‑sponsoring the City of Prince George’s UBCM resolution and has directed staff to prepare and send the Municipality’s own letter to the Province and MLA voicing strong concern, outlining local impacts, and requesting reconsideration. Admin Report #31/26 | Video Recording
Mayor Yu Letter | Video Recording | Five-Year Financial Plan Bylaw No. 244, 2026 Adoption Regional Council adopted the Northern Rockies Regional Municipality Five‑Year Financial Plan Bylaw No. 244 (2026–2030) as the municipality’s official financial plan for 2026–2030 and repeals the previous Five‑Year Financial Plan Bylaw No. 234 (2025–2029). Five-Year Financial Plan Bylaw No. 244, 2026 | Video Recording | Tax Rates Bylaw No. 245, 2026 Adoption Regional Council adopted the Northern Rockies Regional Municipality Tax Rates Bylaw No. 245, 2026 which imposes and levies the 2026 municipal tax rates—as set out in Columns A (general purposes), B (new municipal service purposes), and C (municipal capital purposes) of Schedule A—thereby establishing the assessed land and improvement rates for the year. Tax Rate Bylaw No. 245, 2026 | Video Recording | Request for Letter of Support for funding of Bulterys House operations Regional Council approved sending a letter of support for continued funding of Bulterys House. Residents of the NRRM and communities across northeast British Columbia routinely travel long distances for specialized medical appointments, treatments, diagnostics, and hospital services not available locally. During these often stressful and financially burdensome times, access to safe, clean, and affordable accommodation is vital. Council emphasized that ongoing support is necessary to sustain this service and to improve healthcare access and outcomes across the Peace Region and beyond. Letter | Video Recording | Special Regional Hospital District May 14, 2026 | 2025 Northern Rockies Hospital District Financial Statements Regional Council adopted the audited financial statements for the Northern Rockies Hospital District for the year ended December 31, 2025. Northern Rockies Regional Hospital District (the Hospital District) is incorporated under the Hospital District Act of the Province of British Columbia. The Hospital District’s principal activities are to fund capital equipment purchases and to finance capital construction projects for health care facilities within its jurisdiction. These activities are funded through property tax requisitions. 2025 NRRHD Audited Financial Statements | Video Recording | Special Regional Council May 14, 2026 | 2025 Northern Rockies Regional Municipality Financial Statements Regional Council adopted the audited Northern Rockies Regional Municipality consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2025 at the May 14, 2026 Council meeting; Eclipse LLP issued a clean opinion with the notes being an integral part of the statements. These statements summarize the Municipality’s year‑end financial position, annual revenues and expenses, cash flows, and changes in net financial resources (with notes explaining accounting policies and detail). 2025 NRRM Audited Financial Statements | Video Recording | For Information
Letter from Tara Faganello, Assistant Deputy Minister, Ministry of Housing and Municipal Affairs
Bill 17 Codes of Conduct and Bill 18 Parental Leave Correspondence
Letter from Save Our Northern Seniors
Third House a Peace Villa Cancelled Correspondence
Letter from Scott Goodmanson, Mayor of the City of Langford City of Langford - Permanent Daylight-Saving Time and the Impacts on Safe Routes to School Correspondence
Facility Fee Waiver Report Fourth Quarter, 2025 Correspondence
Recreation Statistics Fourth Quarter, 2025 Recreation Stats October 2025 Recreation Stats November 2025 Recreation Stats December 2025
Letter from Bev Vandersteen, Executive Director, Fort Nelson & District Chamber of Commerce Chamber of Commerce Thank You NRRM Correspondence
RRETI Statistics First Quarter 2026 Correspondence | Career Opportunities at the NRRM | northernrockies.ca/careers | northernrockies.ca/notices | Expression of Interest: 2026 Property Maintenance Public Works is looking for interest in their Property Maintenance Program. General scope of work shall include but is not limited to: Deadline to apply is June 5th 2026. Applications can be submitted by: - Completion of this online form
- Emailed to pwmgmt@northernrockies.ca
- Printed and Dropped off in a sealed envelope: Public Works Office. 5404 48th Ave, Fort Nelson, BC
For questions, contact:Public Works Front Desk 250-774-2541 Ext. 2090 or email at pwmgmt@northernrockies.ca
Information and online form available at northernrockies.ca/PropertyMaintenanceEOI | 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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