From the Bear Pit Council News | | Publication Date: April 20, 2026 | Committee of the Whole April 13, 2026 | Northern Rockies Regional Municipality DRAFT Community Wildfire Resiliency Plan Geoterra presented the draft Community Wildfire Resilience Plan (CWRP) to Council, outlining treatment units, priorities, timelines and recommended leads. Actions are ranked by likely impact, cost, feasibility and timeframe; high-priority items include vegetation treatments, a proposed sprinkler system integration, and a Structural Protection Unit (SPU) trailer (with associated training for local fire responders). The Ministry of Forests will handle certain crown‑land treatments, while some measures lost Community Resiliency funding and will need alternative grants. Next steps: Geoterra and the Northern Rockies Regional Municipality will sign the plan and submit grant applications (including the 2026 Community Resiliency Inevestment) before April 25. The plan is intended to guide Council, staff, and the community in setting and implementing wildfire‑reduction priorities; the local committee participated in development and may help set or carry out priorities moving forward. CWRP Draft | Video Recording | Regional Council April 13, 2026 |
Drinking Water Week Proclaimed May 3-9, 2026 in the NRRM
Regional Council proclaimed May 3–9, 2026 as Drinking Water Week to recognize the vital importance of safe, clean, and abundant drinking water. During this week the community is encouraged to conserve water, protect source waters from pollution, and support sound treatment and maintenance of our water systems so future generations can rely on them. Please join the NRRM in raising awareness and taking simple actions—like reducing water use and preventing runoff—to keep our drinking water healthy. Proclamation | Video Recording | | Major Appliances Recycling Roundtable (MARR) Program Update Regional Council approved implementing the Major Appliances Recycling Roundtable (MARR) program at the Northern Rockies Regional Landfill, which will provide disposal and recycling for end-of-life major appliances, covering the current $25 tipping fee plus removal and administration costs to help prevent illegal dumping, and keep the resident drop-off process largely the same; Council also amended the motion to direct staff to investigate options for servicing up‑highway areas (for example a periodic collection/bin at Toad River). Admin Report #23/26 | Video Recording | 2026 Community Resiliency Investment Program Regional Council approved approved submission of an application to the Union of British Columbia Municipalities’ Community Resiliency Investment Program for up to $200,000 to support FireSmart activities, education, and training across the Northern Rockies Regional Municipality. Admin Report #24/26 | Video Recording | 2026 Budget Consultation Summary The 2026 Budget Engagement Summary was presented to Regional Council. The process included an Open House, Farmer’s Market displays, online resources, and a resident survey. Overall participation was low, but residents who engaged showed strong satisfaction with municipal services and clear support for maintaining core priorities such as infrastructure and public safety. Respondents praised clear, visual budget communications — particularly the Farmer’s Market panels — and reinforced social media and the NRRM website as preferred engagement channels. NRRM will continue refining outreach strategies to boost participation in future consultations. Admin Report #25/26 | Survey Responses | Video Recording | 2026 DRAFT Budget Follow-Up Regional Council received the DRAFT 2026 budget update. The 2026 assessment has been received (figures are unaudited); operational “green sheets” were attached to the agenda to present detailed cost information. A tourism operating breakdown (VIC support, hiking/travel guide, tradeshows, operating costs and staffing) was provided. A list of recent presentations and the fire department report will be included in the package, and service-sustainability meetings will be scheduled very soon. Admin Report #26/26 | Attachment | Video Recording | Site-Specific Zoning Amendment – Bulk Fuel – 4401 55th Street Regional Council defeated third reading of a proposed rezoning for a light industrial fuel bulk plant, effectively stopping the application from proceeding. The proposal drew mixed views, with supporters citing potential economic benefits, including jobs, tax revenue, and improved local fuel supply. Opponents raised concerns about safety risk, municipal liability, increased truck traffic, and the long-term impact on zoning integrity and future land-use decisions. While regulators and fire services were noted as having oversight roles, member of Council questioned whether the Municipality could be exposed to additional inspection and liability responsibilities. The final vote was split, with two Councillors in favour and three opposed, resulting in the motion failing and the rezoning not advancing. Bylaw Report #238C/25 | Bylaw no. 238, 2025 | Video Recording | New Legislative regarding Council Code of Conduct Regional Council received an update on upcoming Code of Conduct legislation following several UBCM resolutions and the first Parliamentary readings of Bill-17, noting the intent to require mandatory municipal codes of conduct in BC (anticipated to receive royal assent before year-end) with mandatory compliance and provincial processes for complaints and sanctions that local codes must meet; staff will integrate feedback and proposed amendments outlined in the legislation and bring further details and legal advice back to Council. Video Recording | Special Regional Council April 15, 2026 | 2026 Government Transfers Applications Update The meeting focused on the first-year rollout of a new Government Transfers policy—staff flagged a few incomplete or ineligible applications and Council agreed to work with groups to improve future submissions, including requiring accountant-reviewed financials for larger awards (staff set aside funds to help with this). Key application reviews included the Fort Nelson Public Library, Phoenix Theatre, Fort Nelson Historical Society (operating and capital requests), Northern Rockies Seniors Society, and the Fort Nelson Literacy Society. Admin Report #18/26 | Summary | Checklists | Video Recording | For Information
Letter from Sid Tobias, Mayor of the Town of View Royal Provincial Housing Legislation (Bills 44,47,13,15 and M216) Correspondence
Letter from John Brewer, Criminal Operations Officer, BC RCMP Article 9.1 and 9.2 Invocation - FIFA World Cup Correspondence
Letter from Richard K. Wong, National Chair, Canada Day Drumming Canada Day Drumming 2026 - Showcasing Canada's Cultural Diversity and Unity Correspondence
NRRM Letter of Concern to Minister Josie Osborne Postponement/Cancellation of the Third House at Peace Villa and Need for Increased Seniors' Supports Correspondence
Letter from Leanne Heppell, Chief Ambulance Officer, BC Emergency Health Services Letter of Response to NRRM Concerns Community Paramedicine Correspondence | Career Opportunities at the NRRM | northernrockies.ca/careers | No Opportunities at the time of publishing. | northernrockies.ca/notices | Environmental Protection Notice - Operational Certificate 16960 The draft Landfill Operational Certificate (OC) and Environmental Protection Notice (EPN) are available for a 30‑day public review. What’s proposed - No increase to the existing landfill footprint
- Pump landfill leachate to the NRRM Sewage Treatment System
- Small increase to annual waste discharge tonnage
- General updates to improve clarity and align with current ministry landfill criteria
How to participate | 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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