On March 19, the Village of Burns Lake discussed the terms of reference for the recruitment and retention of the medical professionals committee.
In October 2023, council received a delegation from Northern Health discussing the success of a physician recruitment committee in Quesnel. In January 2024, council held a special meeting attended by representatives from the Regional District of Bulkley Nechako (RDBN) and the Northern Health Authority. Staff were directed to prepare a report with more information regarding creating a joint committee between RDBN, the Village of Burns Lake and Northern Heath for recruiting and retaining medical professionals.
In February 2024, council received the report and directed staff to prepare the terms of reference for the recruitment and retention committee and prepare service agreements with the RDBN and the Northern Interior Rural Division of Family Practice.
The RDBN Burns Lake and Francois/Ootsa Lake Rural have allocated $30,000, and the Northern Interior Rural Division of Family Practice has allocated $10,400.
Both organizations have indicated that this is not an annual allocation.
There is a $5,000 Burns Lake and District Community Foundation Society grant that may provide an additional funding source. Staff will present a report to the council at an upcoming meeting.
After the discussion, Mayor Henry Wiebe approved the recruitment and retention of the medical professionals committee’s Terms of Reference and appointed two council members to the committee. Council will also allocate $20,000 for the hiring of a recruiter/community champion.
Councillors Charlie Rensby and Darrell Hill will be appointed to the committee.
Business Facade Improvement Program
Council directed staff to amend the business facade improvement program map to incorporate the previously excluded businesses on Highway 16 and waive development fees of $400 to the successful applicants.
The business facade improvement program provides annual grant funding for local governments to enhance economic development by encouraging private sector investment in business facade improvements.
The Lakeview Mall and Balmoral Plaza were previously excluded from this program.
Councillor Rensby had concerns about the budgetary applications for successful applications if the fees were waived.
Sheryl Worthing, Village of Burns Lake chief administrative officer, said that waiving the development fees would encourage more people to participate in this program.
After the discussion, Mayor Wiebe said to waive the development permit fees, and council agreed.
Industrial Park Sign
Council approved the additional cost of $20,900 to construct a new industrial park sign.
The industrial park sign is included in the 2024 Budget. The Village of Burns Lake has $40,000 in funding from the CERIP Wayfinding Grant to construct the sign. The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure (MOTI) required engineered drawings to obtain the sign permit. The engineered drawings were completed, and the permit was issued from MOTI. The contractor hired to build the sign had to revamp the construction costs based on the newly engineered design.
After the discussion, Mayor Wiebe approved the additional cost, and council agreed.