Accessibility Advisory Committee progress update
The Regional District's Accessibility Advisory Committee was formed in February 2026 and it has been meeting regularly over the last six months to consider accessibility best practices from other BC local governments, identify preliminary priorities, review facility accessibility and engage residents through a survey during National Accessibility Week.
The committee is also working with consultants to develop an accessibility plan for the Regional District following the requirements of the Accessible British Columbia Act. The plan will aim to identify, remove and prevent barriers and ensure equitable access to the Regional District's programs, services and facilities.
Community Works Funding for asset management
The Board approved $250,000 in Community Works Funding to work with consultants to develop a roadmap for asset management and implement new asset management software. The roadmap and software will help optimize the lifecycle of the Regional District's assets, reduce operational costs, and improve service delivery to residents and communities.
Community Works Funding is one of the funding streams in the Build Communities Strong Fund, a permanent source of federal funding for local infrastructure, administered by the Union of BC Municipalities. Funds are provided to communities upfront and can be strategically invested across 18 project categories to address local priorities.
Public Safety updates
A new one year agreement was approved with North Island 9-1-1 for reciprocal back up fire dispatch services. The agreement ensures there is support in place if dispatch staff need to move from a primary to a back-up facility during an emergency. Fraser-Fort George Regional Fire Dispatch Service currently provides Fire/Rescue emergency call handling and dispatch services to 100 agencies across five regional districts.
A service agreement with Lheidli T'enneh First Nation was also approved to provide structural fire protection to the north side of Fort George IR #2 (Shelley) through Shell-Glen Fire/Rescue for a four year term.
Grants awarded
Community Grants in Aid and Recreation Grants in Aid were awarded to:
Electoral Area A (Salmon River-Lakes)
- Ness Lake Recreation Commission for $984 for operating expenses and $1,295 for sport park irrigation
- Salmon Valley Community Association for $969 for operations, events and consulting
- Salmon Valley Gymkhana Club for $978 for maintenance, operating and consulting
- Salmon Valley Community Farmers Institute for $988 for operating and consulting
Electoral Area D (Tabor Lake-Stone Creek)
- Pineview Recreation Commission for $8,000 for a music festival
Electoral Area E (Woodpecker-Hixon)
- Hixon Women's Institute for $15,000 for operating and insurance expenses
- Hixon Volunteer Fire Department Society for $40,000 for foundation, drainage and building improvements
Electoral Area G (Crooked River-Parsnip)
- Bear Lake Recreation Association for $10,000 for septic and plumbing repairs
Electoral Area H (Robson Valley-Canoe)
- McBride Chamber of Commerce for $3,500 for a business guide
- Tete Jaune Market Society for $1,000 for start up and operating costs
