From the Bear Pit Council News | | Publication Date: January 7, 2025 | Special Regional Council December 8th, 2025 | Unauthorized Construction located 7825 Alaska Hwy Regional Council approved the commencement of the Notice on Title process for the property at 7825 Alaska Highway, Fort Nelson in relation to a specific structure. Staff will work with the property owner to provide guidance on zoning bylaws, and building permit requirements, to help ensure compliance with local regulations. A Notice on Title is a way to officially flag a property when there’s a zoning or bylaw issue for the current and future owner(s). Admin Report #62/25 | Video Recording | Public Hearing December 8, 2025 | Regional Council December 8, 2025 | Dog Park Considerations Regional Council approved staff to undertake low-cost, temporary improvements for a pilot dog park pilot project at Mile 295 and to seek a license amendment for dog park use at Roy Gairdner Park (Mile 301), with the measure supported as temporary until the pilot concludes. It was further proposed that a more fulsome, permanent project be considered as part of the 2026 Budget process. Admin Report #63/25 | Reviews Social Media | Potential Locations | Video Recording | NDIT Grant Resolution – Labour Market Study Northern Rockies Regional Municipality (NRRM) will apply to the Northern Development Initiatives Trust’s Rural and Remote Employment Initiatives Fund for up to $50,000 to support a Labour Market Study. The grant would cover 98% of costs, leaving NRRM responsible for $5,000. The study may be contracted out via a Request for Proposals, with potential coordination with Northern Lights College and a steering committee to define roles, including for the Rural Immigration Program. Neighboring communities like Chetwynd, Dawson Creek, and Fort St. John may participate independently in their own applications. Admin Report #64/25 | Video Recording | Government Transfer Policy for Adoption During the Committee of the Whole meeting on November 24, 2025, Council reviewed the Draft Government Transfer Policy and provided feedback. The policy was updated to incorporate Council’s suggestions, including revisions on potential funding models. Council decided to review the outcomes of the program’s applications before finalizing the Municipality’s method of funding the program. The updated policy (highlighted changes) was presented for adoption, with a review planned for the 3rd quarter of 2026 to determine the annual funding formula for future years. The policy was approved as presented. Admin Report #65/25 | Draft Policy | Video Recording | Additional Information – Bulk Fuel Light Industrial – Insurance and Administrative Options The report follows up on additional information regarding Bulk Fuel for Light Industrial, including options available to the NRRM for setting limits for fuel storage and insurance considerations. Determining the impact on insurance rates for neighboring properties was not possible given the wide range of factors influencing rates, though it was confirmed that Council could establish storage limits for fuel on site either through zoning or a covenant on title. Admin Report #66/25 | Video Recording | Zoning Amendment (4401 55th St Bulk Fuel) Bylaw No. 238 Council discussed options regarding fuel storage limits: refuse, approve without limits, or approve with a limit. Questions arose about fire department recommendations (200 litres), historical context (400,000 litres), and potential liability if zoning allowed more than recommended. Legal advice on liability was not yet available, and members agreed to defer a decision until that opinion is received. The discussion also clarified that the issue involves two decisions: whether to allow fuel storage and, if so, what limit to set. Bylaw Report #238B/25 | Maps | Video Recording | Doig River First Nation Land Use Planning Process Update Council discussed the letter from Doig River First Nation regarding their Land Use Planning process and expressed interest in meeting with together with the Doig River Council. Members noted the regional impact and praised the consultation process. A motion was made for staff to engage with Doig River First Nation to arrange a meeting between Councils. Letter | Video Recording | Email from Dennis Thomson regarding BC Hydro Planned Outages An email was received raising concerns about planned power outages occurring in our northern community during very cold temperatures when there is no emergency. Regional Council directed staff to write a letter to BC Hydro requesting clarification on the minimum and maximum temperature thresholds used to determine when planned outages proceed or are postponed, particularly in relation to wildfire risk and extreme cold. The concern is that planned outages should not occur during extreme weather conditions, and is seeking greater transparency on how these decisions are made to ensure public safety. Video Recording | Staff Service Recognitions We are thrilled to recognize the incredible dedication of our team members who are marking milestone years of service! 5 Years of Service: Nicole Ashdown, Katrina Kastrukoff, Justin Unruh 10 Years of Service: Angela White, David Walters, Linda Brenton, Chris Systad 30 Years of Service: Chief James Childs It’s an incredible honor to see so many long-term employees contributing to our success. Thank you all for your hard work, commitment, and unwavering dedication—our team wouldn’t be the same without you! Video Recording | Letter to BCEHS - Recruitment of Community Paramedic Deputy Mayor Gerwing provided an update on the Community Paramedic program, which aims to bridge local healthcare gaps. The program provides education, home health monitoring, and vaccine administration. Since 2018, three community paramedics have served the region, but services pause when a community paramedic leaves, and replacements can take time. Council noted there are currently 30 vacancies province-wide and directed staff to draft a letter regarding the issue. Video Recording | Traffic Flow Concerns at Pink Mountain Campground Council discussed safety concerns at Pink Mountain Campground, including a narrow entrance and the danger of turning onto the highway. Owners highlighted past accidents and ongoing risks. Council members noted provincial design criteria and recommended widening the entrance. Council directed staff to write a letter to the Ministry of Transportation (MOTT) outlining safety concerns, with the campground copied, and to engage the PRRD as appropriate. Video Recording | Muncho Lake New Campground Council discussed the inactive RV park at Muncho Lake purchased by BC Parks in 2020, which includes tent sites, lake access, and facilities but remains closed. At the November 19, 2025 Northern Rockies Roundtable meeting, funding and regional interest in opening the park were highlighted. Council proposed sending a letter to BC Parks and the Minister of Water, Land, and Resource Stewardship (WLRS) ahead of the January annual planning meeting. Video Recording | Regional Hospital District December 12, 2025 | Northern Health/Regional Hospital District Joint Fall Meeting Summary The Northern Health (NH) full-day session on October 20th in Prince George provided updates for Regional Hospital Districts (RHDs) on the NH capital plan, operational activities, and strategic initiatives. Key points included ongoing provincial funding shortfalls for capital projects, continued focus on Emergency Room service stabilization, challenges from an aging population, and issues with recruitment and retention. The session also featured a long-term care presentation by Providence Living and a strategic plan update. The meeting offered an informative discussion, opportunities for feedback, and networking with other RHDs. Joint Fall Meeting Summary | Board Planning Session
Capital Plan Update | Video Recording | Regional Hospital District 2026 Provisional Budget Adoption Bylaw No. 85, 2025 The Northern Rockies Regional Hospital District 2026 Provisional Budget (Bylaw No. 85, 2025) was adopted, covering administrative costs, Northern Health capital projects, and equipment, including the CT scanner and IT upgrades. Funding of $342,400 will come primarily from property taxes, with additional options for borrowing, and the full annual budget will be finalized in the New Year. Regional Hospital District Bylaw Report #85/25
RHD 2026 Provisional Budget | Video Recording | Committee of the Whole December 15, 2025 | Analysis of 2024 Operations The NRRM has have been developing a formal process to present prior-year financial and operational results annually following the audited statements. The 2024 Actual Report (draft) includes year highlights, budget-to-actual comparisons for operations and departments, project status updates, reserve and surplus balances, and government transfer reporting. It provides historical data for 2022–2023, the 2024 budget, and 2024 actuals, including dollar and percentage variances, with multi-year projects carried forward into 2025. COTW Report #25/25 | 2025 Actuals Report | Video Recording | For Information
Letter from Christine Boyle, Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs
UBCM Follow Up Correspondence
Letter from Meghan Lahti, Mayor of the City Port Moody
Bill M216- 2025 Professional Reliance Act Correspondence
Letter from James Cuell, Executive Director - North Area Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship
Engagement in the Kaska-BC Land Use Planning Project Correspondence
Letter from Nina Kerieger Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General
UBCM Follow Up Correspondence
Letter from Nicole MacDonald, Mayor City of Pitt Meadows
Concerns Regarding Bill M 216 - 2025 Professional Reliance Act Correspondence
Letter from Sid Tobias, Mayor of the Town of View Royal
Bill M216 - Professional Reliance Act Correspondence | Career Opportunities at the NRRM | northernrockies.ca/careers | No bidding opportunities at the time of publishing. | northernrockies.ca/notices | Invitation to 2026 Local Contractors Meeting The Northern Rockies Regional Municipality invites local contractors to join us for an important meeting to review projects for the 2026 construction season. Date & Time: Tuesday, January 13th at 12:00 PM
Location: Public Works Building, 5404 - 48 Avenue, Fort Nelson, BC Topics to be covered include: -
2026 Roadworks -
Nonda Bridge Armouring -
Concrete Sidewalk Replacement -
Paver Replacement -
Gravel Supply / Aggregate Hauling (Capital and Rural Roads) -
Winter Sand Supply -
Winter Sand and Salt Mixing This is a great opportunity to stay informed about upcoming projects and procurement timelines that are crucial for our community’s development. For more information: Jasmine Glaves, Public Works Administration Manager
P: jglaves@northernrockies.ca E: 250.774.2541 ext. 2098 We look forward to seeing all local contractors on January 13th! | 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 | | | | | |
.jpg)
