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Skeena-Queen Charlotte Regional District: In Brief

Skeena-Queen Charlotte Regional District topics covered.
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Skeena Queen Charlotte Regional District: In Brief

Policies Adopted

The SQCRD board adopted a number of formal policies that will inform and guide future discussions. The first was an updated regional district practices report from staff on conflict of interest, business case, purchasing and asset management. The updates come from findings from recent audits in other districts.

The board adopted a new asset management policy “to govern and direct staff on the acquisition, management and disposal of assets owned by the SQCRD”, a new business case (problem or issue analysis) policy, for use with large purchases over $250,000 or complex projects of a capital or operating nature, and a new conflict of interest policy, ensuring the board acts with integrity and accountability.

A purchasing policy was also adopted, to “ensure that the SQCRD sets out clear guidelines and standards for procurement to ensure the best overall value in the most effective manner” and a permissive tax exemption policy for organizations or properties applying for exemption status was adopted. Staff established a list of criteria. Previously the board was working under Community Charter and Local Government Act policies.

GAS TAX PAYMENT RECEIVED

The regional district will receive an electronic transfer of $100,621.51 from the Government of Canada this month as the first of two Community Works Fund (gas tax agreement) payments are made for fiscal 2016-17. For more information on the fund, visit www.ubcm.ca

NAME CHANGE IMMINENT

Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development Peter Fassbender sent a letter to the SQCRD tentatively supporting the name change from the SQCRD to the North Coast Regional District.

“The proposed name clearly reflects the geography of the area and is consistent with regional district naming conventions used in British Columbia,” Fassbender wrote. “Should there be no issues of note, it is my intention to recommend the name change [to Cabinet] later this year.”

Ministry staff is in the process of preparing a package for the minister’s review. Earlier this year, the regional district presented the name change to the public and received positive feedback.