Regional district seeks provincial approval to maintain Ridler Trail
Directors at the Regional Board of Bulkley Nechako (RBDN) have endorsed a plan for the district to apply for authorisation from Recreation Sites and Trails BC to take over maintenance of the Ridler Trail, just south east of the village, across 亚洲天堂 Lake in Electoral Area B.
鈥淭he trail is well used year-round and has been user-maintained, which indicates its importance as an amenity to the community,鈥� staff noted.
The 8.3-kilometre multi-use trail, located two kilometres southeast of 亚洲天堂 Lake, was developed with federal funding between 2009 and 2014 but was never designated a provincial trail. Its maintenance has since been left to local volunteers.
The trail emerged as a priority during the 2023 consultation for the Electoral Area B/E Parks and Trails Master Plan. A proposed work plan for 2025-2026 includes the district assuming maintenance responsibility, pending provincial approval under Section 57 of the Forest and Range Practices Act.
Most of the trail is on Crown land, with other sections passing through 亚洲天堂 Lake Provincial Park and along the Ridler Forest Service Road. A $25,000 allocation is included in the 2025 budget, with future maintenance estimated under $10,000 per year. BC Parks has agreed to authorise upkeep of the park section if needed.
The board voted in favour of the plan at its June 19 meeting.
Jennifer Williams appointed to Area G advisory commission
Jennifer Williams has been appointed to the Advisory Planning Commission for Electoral Area G (Houston/Granisle Rural), replacing Carol Gibson.
The change was recommended by the area鈥檚 director and approved by the Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako board. Under the Advisory Planning Commission Bylaw No. 1501, 2009, the board may appoint or remove commission members at any time based on a director鈥檚 recommendation.
The term of appointment is four years.
Smithers gravel pit expansion backed by regional board
A proposal to extract gravel from a dormant pit 6 km northeast of Smithers has received support from the Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako.
鈥淭he purpose of the Non-Farm Use is to supply material for concrete manufacturing,鈥� said applicant Leigh Purnell.
West Fraser Concrete Ltd. is applying to the Agricultural Land Commission to remove 125,000 cubic metres of material over 25 years from the 10.45-hectare Gilbert (Tugnum) Pit.
The board's support includes conditions to protect Driftwood Creek, maintain vegetation buffers, and ensure long-term remediation. Further review from the ALC and the Ministry of Mining and Critical Minerals has been requested.
Operations would be seasonal, use limited equipment, and pause during hot, dry weather to reduce dust and noise.
If the ALC approves the plan, a Temporary Use Permit would still be needed for crushing and washing.
Town of Smithers representative Gladys Atrill cast the only vote against.
RDBN adopts new bylaw ticket dispute system
A new bylaw enforcement system aimed at simplifying ticket disputes was officially adopted by the Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako at its June 19 board meeting.
The Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 2041, 2025 introduces a non-judicial process to handle minor infractions such as parking or property violations.
鈥淪creening Officers will help resolve disputes early,鈥� staff explained, adding that only unresolved cases would proceed to adjudication.
Used in more than 100 B.C. jurisdictions, the provincial model caps penalties at $500 and avoids the cost of court proceedings. Adjudicators, appointed by the Province but paid locally, will hear cases in public sessions either in person or online.
The district will host the system in partnership with participating municipalities, beginning with 亚洲天堂 Lake. Tickets will not be issued immediately as staff prepare for implementation and establish the adjudication registry.
Board approves $4 million for long-term investment with MFA fund
The regional district board has approved the designation of $4 million as long-term funds and endorsed their investment into the Municipal Finance Authority鈥檚 Diversified Multi-Asset Class Fund.
鈥淭his is a strategic decision to preserve capital and grow reserves over time,鈥� staff said.
The recommendation follows a review of reserves suitable for investment horizons of 10 years or more, including portions of the Bulkley Valley Pool Reserve, the Landfill Closure Reserve, and the Operational Reserve. Together, these are part of a $25-million long-term target, of which only $2.9 million had been designated by the end of 2024.
Finance staff say the MFA fund aligns with the district鈥檚 investment policy, which prioritizes capital preservation while seeking returns that offset inflation. The MFA launched the fund in 2022 with an average real return target of 3.5 per cent, and reports both participation and performance have steadily grown.
The district confirmed no amendment to its current investment policy is needed to allow for participation.
Houston Legion receives $9,345 grant for hot water system upgrade
The Royal Canadian Legion, Pleasant Valley Branch 249, has received a $9,345 grant from Electoral Area G (Houston/Granisle Rural)鈥檚 allocation of the Regional Grant in Aid fund to replace failing hot water tanks.
Director Newell supported the contribution, which will fund a gas-powered, on-demand system recommended by Emberson Plumbing. The new system is expected to improve energy efficiency, reduce hydro costs, and eliminate the need for costly electrical upgrades. A water softener will also be installed to extend equipment life.
One of the branch鈥檚 two 80-gallon tanks is non-functional, while the other is nearing failure, affecting kitchen operations. The Legion has served the community since 1954, offering services to veterans, seniors and families.
鈥淲e are committed to providing a safe and friendly environment for everyone in the community,鈥� the Legion stated in its application.
The remaining Area G grant fund balance is $28,411.
