Why do Commissioners need to be appointed?

In March 2021, the Regional District of Fraser-Fort George called a by-election to be held June 5, 2021 to fill two vacant seats for Commissioner. Unfortunately, after the close on Nomination Period on April 30 and an extension of Nomination Period on May 3, no nominations were received which meant there were no candidates for the by-election, resulting in a Declaration of No Election being made. In this situation, the Local Government Act decrees that the Regional Board must appoint two individuals to fill the vacant seats.

 

Why should I consider being appointed?

An effective local community commission requires dedicated, ethical, and informed leaders who are committed to their communities. It is a great way to be actively involved in the local democratic process as well as contribute your experience and knowledge to our community.

What you need to know:

• the appointments will fill the vacant seats of two Commissioners;
• the term ends in October 2022;
• remuneration: $125 per meeting; and
• Current Commissioners are Herbert Franklin (Commissioner), Charlie MacDougall (Commissioner) and Pat Crook (Director, Electoral Area ‘G’)

 

The Appointment Process

STEP 1

From May 21 to June 7, 2021 anyone can submit a nomination for themselves or another person using the electronic form below, or by written submission to the Regional District Chief Election Officer via email, fax, or by dropping the form through the mail slot at the Regional District Main Office.

All submissions must be received by the Regional District of Fraser-Fort George Chief Election Officer before 4:30 p.m. on June 7, 2021. 

STEP 2

The Chief Election Officer will follow up with each nominee to discuss the role and expectations of being a Commissioner.

If you have been nominated by someone else, you may decline the nomination when the Chief Election Officer follows up with you.

STEP 3

Once potential appointees are determined, a report will be presented by the Chief Election Officer to the Board of Directors and the Board will vote on the nominees by secret ballot at the June 17th, 2021 regular meeting.  The nominees with the most votes will then be appointed.

To be eligible to be nominated and appointed, you must:

• be 18 years of age or older on June 18, 2021;
• be a Canadian Citizen;
• have been a resident of British Columbia for six months immediately prior to being appointed; and
• not be disqualified under the Local Government Act, or any other enactment from being nominated for, being elected to or holding the office, or be otherwise disqualified by the law.

 

Commissioner Appointment Nomination Form

To submit a nomination for yourself or another person, please use the nomination form below. Nominations must be submitted by 4:30 pm on Monday June 7, 2021.

All fields marked with an * must be completed

 

 

What is the Bear Lake Local Community Commission?

The Bear Lake Community Commission was established in 1978. The area under the Commission's jurisdiction is approximately thirty-eight square miles in size and has a population of 151 (2016 Census) residents. The Commission is currently comprised of four representatives elected from the community, as well as the Director of Electoral Area G. The Bear Lake Community Commission provides recommendations to the Regional District on street lighting, water system, cemetery, recreation facilities, ambulance station, and fire protection services for the community of Bear Lake. The Commission may also provide advice to the Regional District on a variety of issues affecting the community.

The Local Government Act of British Columbia governs community commissions in BC.

 

Responsibilities of being a Commissioner  

The Commission is established by Bylaw No. 1794 and is responsible for providing recommendations to the Regional District on local services in the community of Bear Lake.  Currently, those services include fire protection, street lighting, cemetery, ambulance station, recreation facilities, and community water services. 

Powers and Duties

Section 4.1 of Bylaw No. 1794 sets out the powers and duties of the Commission including:

1. Supervising the maintenance and operation of the fire protection, street lighting, cemetery, ambulance station, recreation facilities, and community water services;
2. Recommending to the Regional Board the letting of such contracts as may be necessary for the operation, maintenance and improvement of the services;
3. Authorizing the expenditure of such funds as may be provided in the annual budget of the Regional District in respect of services, or as may be lawfully expended for capital purposes, subject to the provisions of paragraph (b);
4. Recommending to the Regional Board the provision of funds for capital purposes, or the undertaking of capital projects, or the contracting of debt for the services;
5. Providing to the Regional District, each year in conjunction with a budget meeting with Regional District staff in the late Fall, an estimate of the revenues and expenditures necessary to provide the said services for the ensuing year, including the expenses of the Commission.  The Manager of Community Services will provide additional information on the budgeting process, when it occurs and how; and
6. Providing such other recommendations and advice to the Regional Board as the Commission deems desirable regarding the provision of services or matters affecting the local community generally.

 

Meeting Attendance

Meetings of the Bear Lake Community Commission are generally held on a monthly basis and are open to the public. The conduct of the meetings falls under the Local Government Act and the Community Charter.

2021 Monthly Meeting Schedule

 

Area G Director

The current Electoral Area G Director is Pat Crook. Electoral Area G occupies over 18,000 square kilometers stretching north of Prince George to the Pine Pass. Communities include Summit Lake, Bear Lake, McLeod Lake and Mackenzie. Region-wide services provided include solid waste management, 9-1-1 emergency response, fire services coordination, regional parks, land use planning, building inspection and heritage conservation. Other Regional District Services are provided in communities where residents have opted to pay for them, including street lighting, Water Systems, Cemeteries and Recreation Facilities. The Community Hall in Bear Lake is owned and operated by the Regional District and operated by the Bear Lake Recreation Association through a property use agreement with the Regional District.