REMINDER: See you Monday, May 29, 2023, 11:30 am - 1:00 pm

May 29 Guest Speaker(s): TBA

Remember your updates, challenges/burning questions, and/or success for the famous *lightning round.

*You only have two minutes to share


Location: Zoom

May
29

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COMMUNITY MEETING
May 29, 2023

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Community Updates

On May 31, 2023, at 6:30 pm PST, the Ministry of Education is hosting an evening to celebrate, honour and recognize Early Learning and Child Care professionals for their hard work and commitment to providing children and their families with cultural learning opportunities.

Register for the Appreciation Gathering here.
 
Do you know a Métis Early Learning and Child Care professional who provides Métis cultural early years programming for children in your community? Nominate them today! All nominees will confirm their nomination and will be invited to join MNBC for a virtual event on May 31, 2023. To show our appreciation each nominee will be gifted for their dedication to Métis culturally inclusive programming, in addition, two of the nominees will be selected to receive an award for their contributions and dedication. For more information contact metisearlyyears@mnbc.ca.
 
Nomination forms are available here.

The nomination deadline is May 7, 2023.
Thank you to the Crisis Line Volunteers
WE couldn't have done it without YOU!


Cariboo Chilcotin Branch

 
Watch for Youth Week updates on BGC's social media platforms.

Mental Health Week 
May 1-7

Every year, 1/5 of Canadians will experience a mental illness or mental health issue. 5/5 of us (that’s everyone) have mental health. #MentalHealthWeek is your opportunity to start a dialogue about #MentalHealth for yourself, your friends, your family, and the community. Learn more at MentalHealthWeek.ca 

#MentalHealth #MentalHealthMatters #MentalHealthAwareness #Wellbeing #Wellness #MentalWellbeing #MentalWellness

This year CMHA Cariboo Chilcotin Branch will be hosting a Mental Health Week table event on May 5th at FreshCo from 2:30 pm to 5:30 pm. For more information contact Madison Rushton at training.coordinator20@cmhacariboo.org


 
In collaboration with the Tŝilhqot’in National Government, we are thrilled to premiere the short documentary, The Xeni Gwet’in Traverse in Williams Lake. This 16-minute short, funded partly by Arcteryx, chronicles a trip taken by five men, including former Xeni Gwet'in First Nation chief Jimmy Lulua, who left the community of Xeni Gwet’in in Nemiah Valley with the goal of hiking to Bute Inlet in July of 2022. The 75 km trek involved travelling through heavy forests, up one side of the Coast Mountain Range, across the Homathko Icefield and then down through dense rainforest and across a high coastal waterway. In doing so, the group retraced a trip historically taken by some Xeni-Gwet’in families and revived an ancestral tradition nearly lost to living memory. Truly stunning footage of an incredible journey – don’t miss it! You can read more about the historic trek here.
 
This will be followed by the feature-length film Riceboy Sleeps, by Vancouver-based director Anthony Shim, who just took home the prize for Best Original Screenplay at the 2023 Canadian Screen Awards. So-young is a Korean single mother raising her adolescent son Dong-hyun in the suburbs of Vancouver during the 90s. As Dong-hyun grows into adulthood, the mother and son must make an unplanned return trip to South Korea for the first time since they left. While not autobiographical, the film draws on much of Shim’s own experience as an immigrant growing up in small-town British Columbia. 
 
“Riceboy Sleeps is a movie about an experience common to many, the lives of immigrant families and how things change from one generation to the next. But director Shim has taken that common experience and made something that speaks to more universal themes, about finding our identity, about family, and about discovering that our true home, where our heart lives.” - Original Cin
 
Doors open at 6:30pm | Show start 7:00pm | Paradise Cinemas
Tickets $10.00 | Advance tickets are available now at the Open Book and for sale before the show in the theatre lobby
 
Save the date, Thursday, May 4th, for outstanding B.C. filmmaking! 
And please share amongst friends, family and colleagues!

Resources & Training

REMINDERS 
Webinar: Housing First for Youth in Canada & Europe
Canadian Housing First Network, Housing First Europe Hub, Evidence Exchange Network 


Homelessness prevention programs must be adapted when applied to youth participants because youth experiencing homelessness have distinct needs.

In this webinar, Stephen Gaetz (CEO, of the Canadian Observatory on Homelessness) and Ahmad Bonakdar (Managing Director of Research, COH) will join a group of international experts to discuss research on adapting Housing First programs for youth.

Register HERE


Understanding the Needs of Unsheltered Individuals in Peel Region
Blog by 
Daphna Nussbaum / Peel Poverty Action Group, Hub Solutions 

This blog highlights the needs of those who are living in encampments and living rough throughout the Peel Region. It also provides recommendations for addressing the needs of people who are living outdoors at a systemic level.
READ BLOG

SI Canada Investment Readiness Webinar - Employee Ownership Trusts
Monday, May 8, 12:30 - 2:00 p.m. ET, FREE

You’re invited to our Investment Readiness Webinar series, to learn about employee ownership trusts.

Find out how employee ownership can support social equity and build an inclusive and resilient economy within communities. Gain insights on the current state of this work in Canada and the Canadian Employee Ownership Coalition, and learn about specific considerations for small impact businesses and Social Purpose Organizations. 
REGISTER HERE

Employment/Volunteer Opportunities

Join the BGC Williams Lake Club Team
Career Opportunities 
Volunteer Opportunities

Funding Opportunity Links

The sites below may have funding opportunities you are unaware of.

April 24 Community Meeting Minutes Draft

 
Date:  April 24, 2023 Time:  11:30 am – 1:00 pm Location:  Zoom
Chair: Larry Stranberg Minutes:  Bree Odd
 
Present: Larry Stranberg, Bree Odd, Barb Jones, Laurie Walters, Carla Bullinger, Shannon Thom, Silvia Siebert-Dubray, Craig Glover, Brianna van de Wijngaard, Michael Moses, Stephanie Masun, Anne Burrill, Marnie Brenner, Laurel White, Brad McKinnon (Guest Speaker), Josh Smith, Heather Silvester, Madison Rushton (Guest Speaker), Hannah Diether, Beth Veenkamp, Sherry Yonkman, Krista Harvey, Wylie Wystedt, Angie

Regrets: Tammy Levesque-Holyk

Land Acknowledgement
The Social Planning Council of Williams Lake and Area would like to acknowledge this meeting is taking place on the traditional unceded territory of the Secwepemc Nation and the T’exelc people.

Review & Approve Agenda for April 24, 2023
Motion Silvia Siebert-Dubray         Seconded by Carla Bullinger                     Carried
Review & Approve Minutes for March 27, 2023
Motion Laurie Walters                     Seconded by Silvia Siebert-Dubray          Carried
 
Member Introductions: all members shared. 
 
Guest Speaker(s): S/Sgt Brad McKinnon and Sgt. Josh Smith Williams Lake RCMP
S/Sgt Brad McKinnon
  • An interim replacement for Dell Byron & Darren Dodge
  • Relocated from Nova Scotia, 13 years with the RCMP in three different provinces
  • Learned a lot from his time in Ottawa during the terrorist attack
  • Firm belief in the importance of mental health
  • Experience in everything from homicides to LNG project services, and major highways incidents
  • Looking forward to being here
Sgt Josh Smith
  • 18 years with the RCMP, mostly in BC North
  • Experience in everything from Indigenous services to trafficking, and bike patrol
  • In Lynton during the forest fires
  • Active in community initiatives like school wrestling and Kids, Cops, & Computers
  • Provides office support 2nd to Brad
 
Questions, Answers, Comments
S/Sgt McKinnon, the RCMP is open for business and interested in contributing and working together in the community.
Larry, can you share info about the Violent Offenders Program pilot project? S/Sgt McKinnon, it is a strategic enforcement project, focused on a percentage of violent offenders. It is a program in collaboration with Crown Counsel and BC Sheriffs. It is about developing a strategy to hold those committing violent crimes accountable for the bad doings in the community. Having them put away, and may mean rehabilitation. Waiting for expectations from the province. There is a struggle with “catch and release” not addressing the crimes, there is a passing off to the courts, which can create greater challenges for those in custody. Crown Counsel is leading the charge.
Carla, to clarify, is RCMP looking to fill another position? S/Sgt McKinnon, we are waiting for the Senior Management replacement to come, it was previously Myron Friesen and Jeff Pelley. Together with the new hire, Brad and Josh will make up the senior team.
Marnie, will you be open to an RCMP stop & chat and is there going to be a mental health nurse going out on some calls? S/Sgt McKinnon, for sure interested in a stop & chat. We are looking into an integrated approach for mental health calls. Every option is at the table. There is a process in place with the crisis nurses and walks in the community with them. Looking for approaches to resolve issues peacefully, such as how the encampments at City Hall were managed. Prince George has new initiatives and we are excited to see what comes of it.
 
Lightning Round - Share an Organizational Update, a Challenge, or a Success
Heather Silvester, Canadian Mental Health Associations Cariboo Chilcotin Branch (CMHA CCB): CMHA CCB is a non-profit, operating on contract grants. CMHA CCB is hosting an open house in recognition of Victims and Survivors of Crime Week on May 16, open to the public from 12:30-4 pm. We provide many different services including Perpetrators of Violent Crime education, Counselling for youth, adults, and couples and the crisis line. No one is turned away; however, those at high risk are referred to the Mental Health and Substance Use team. Last year our crisis line provided 6,000+ interventions; 2500 hours locally; 33,000 hours province-wide; 36,000 calls and 540,000 minutes of support. The majority was done by volunteers with over 800 free additional minutes by staff.

Laurie Walters, Social Planning Council (SPC): She and Counselor Michael will attend the Summit through Tamarack Institute; the focus is on policy changes. If you haven’t purchased an SPC membership we encourage you to do so. Applying for several grants, and looking for more ideas. If you have any please share them with her at laurie.walters@wlspc.ca

Madison Rushton, CMHA CCB: New Training Coordinator with CMHA CCB, focused on building community resiliency with funding from the Red Cross. Working toward ASIST and safeTalk train the trainers to provide the workshops locally and will be looking at other workshops to build resiliency in the community.

Laurel White, CMHA CCB & BGC Williams Lake: The Community Action Team (CAT) with CMHA CCB will be providing another free community-wide training event in August, hoping to coincide with International Overdose Awareness Day.

Silvia Siebert-Dubray – City of Williams Lake: Received funding from Red Cross to increase resiliency after the fires, floods, pandemic, etc. The Wellness and Safety Committee is working toward reducing trauma, and asset mapping. The Cariboo Chilcotin Action Response Team (CCART-situation table) has supported 238 situations to date. If anyone is interested in CCART, community policing, or restorative justice connect with her.

Sherry Yonkman – Downtown Williams Lake Business Improvement Association (BIA): Developing a five-year strategic plan with input from downtown businesses. The BIA Strategic Plan Survey (10 questions, approx. 3-min to complete, link below) to determine time, focus, and funding. https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sv/uGT70N5/DWLBIA The Art Committee is taking applications for 10-year art projects with a $5000 award from BIA and a $5000 award from the City. The application's closing date is April 30. Art Walk applications are accepted until May 4, the Art Walk is happening Aug 11 - Sept 6. Amanda Fuller is organizing a Shop & Win (baskets) for Mother's Day and Father's Day, with entries completed on the spot for each purchase at participating businesses. Send community updates for the BIA newsletter to info@downtownwilliamslake.com Larry, appreciates Wednesday morning coffee for businesses to network. Sherry, thank you, they have been successful at the Appoii Kitchen, and the next one is May 10 at 8:00 am

Barb Jones, Communities That Care (CTC): Also provides family mediation and participates in Restorative Justice. Provided brief CTC and “It takes a community…” report overview. CTC Advisory Council working to reignite Circle of Courage The CTC network meetings take place on the second Tuesday of each month from 1-3 pm, location changes each month. Supporting BGC in Youth Week with a challenge going out to partners to collaborate with BGC on a youth week activity. Those accepting the challenge will have their names added to a draw for a Smashing Smoothies gift. Working to create “a sense of belong” newsletter so please share your “sense of belonging” stories to communitiesthatcare@wlspc.ca

Carla Bullinger, Cariboo Partners for Literacy (CCPL): Bright Red Bookshelf: CCPL is collecting gently used children’s books for our Bright Red Bookshelf program. Please drop off at #302-172 Second Ave or call 250-392-7833 to arrange drop off. Larry, have you connected with the Rotary Club? They often have books. Carla, yes, thank you, through Suzanne.

Krista Harvey, BGC Williams Lake: Youth Week is May 1-7, watch for activity updates on social media. Hiring two leadership positions for NOOPA (for 12-18 year-old youth programs), and four summer camp leaders (for 5-12-year-old summer camp kids). Bottle Drive takes place May 8 and Street Party is Aug 30. Those interested in Mountain Biking program will have to sign up online; we can provide assistance in registering for families in need. BGC Open House is June 2, Carla, to clarify all youth interested will have to sign up online. Krista, youth can drop in though they will still have to register. For liability reasons and to keep track. Sprott Kids leaders have to participate in training; there is a cost for this.

Wylie Bystedt - Tŝilhqot'in National Government (TNG): New to Economic Development Office with TNG, looking forward to attending meetings regularly.

Michael Moses – City of Williams Lake: Assisting in planning a 4-Day, 10-year anniversary event for Orange Shirt Day. If interested in helping with the event contact Michael, planning meetings will happen more frequently as we get closer to the event. We are open to entries for brochures, related to every child matters, for gift bags. Organizations interested will have to print 2500 copies. There is a call out to local artists and vendors to share their arts and crafts at the festival. Orange Shirt Society is creating Orange Shirt Day scrubs; Michael can connect you with Blair if interested. Krista is interested. Also working on Orange Shirt Day flags. Michael is also attending the National Indigenous Day planning sessions. Indigenous Relations in WL are growing with a new position for Indigenous Relationships and Reconciliation coming. Working directly with Women Transforming Cities Laurie, based on Michael's interest in learning about encampments, would like to connect after the Summit before the City writes encampment policies. Laurie to connect with Silvia. Michael to connect with Laurel for the upcoming Community Harm Reduction Training.

Beth Veenkamp, City of Williams Lake: Attending housing conferences, is tough for the province. There is a lack of communication related to housing in rural housing matters; missing rural acute crisis at larger meetings. There is a push for a Northern Rural-based housing summit. Infrastructure costs always. There is rezoning in WL for garden/carriage homes, based on property suitability. The City of Quesnel has predesigned garden/carriage home plans at https://www.quesnel.ca/building-development/accessory-dwelling-units/pre-reviewed-accessory-dwellings Rural Economic Development Initiative (REDI), very few successful applications in March, will host another round for non-profits. Myth-busting - Williams Lake is NOT a “SMART City” Anyone spreading the word that it is, is wrong. Larry, how is the mall developing? Beth is slow and progress is being made. Sherry, is the CRD looking at the bylaws for garden/carriage homes? Beth, talks are happening at CRD to address concerns around wells and utilities. There are creative ways to overcome some of these barriers.

Marnie Brenner – Interior Health (IH): New Healthy Community Development team, is interested in being a part of the discussions with the CRD. Participating in the Active Transportation Week planning for April 27 discussion at the Gibraltar Room with Dr. Trent Smith. Doors open at 5:30 pm. There is a community connectedness grant coming from Plan H

Brianna van de Wijngaard, The Central Cariboo Community Food Hub: Provided a brief overview of Food Hub goals to get more food into the community through organizations already doing so. Working with Stephanie Bird and Robin Hunt to coordinate food literacy Pierogi Making workshop, reserved for clients, in need and is fully sponsored. Send an email to foodhub@wlspc.ca if you have an interested client. United Way BC (UWBC) is hosting a survey for community impact and investment projects that might need volunteer support, it is not area specific. Complete the survey at https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=Fb1Mtc9DG0WhW_EGvHTciY4gOFRSyPZHqaDun0pRjGdUMUk4WEtPUkZPQUwwRDdQWFJPQlNJOUZOSS4u

Hannah Diether, Rural Divisions of Family Practice: A new dietician and Social Mental Health Clinician starting in May. Collaborative service planning for primary care in the community for those impacted by the closing of the Yorston Clinic and attaching patients to maternity care.

Craig Glover, Williams Lake and District Credit Union (WLDCU): Lending for real estate is increasing. Those in need of restructuring due to shutdowns, layoffs, etc. can contact WLDCU for assistance and temporary solutions. There is a chance interest rates will go up again if we don’t see a dip in inflation.

Angie: NA

Bree Odd, Social Planning Council (SPC) and BC Schizophrenia Society (BCSS): Working behind the scenes to update and revise the SPC website and planning guest speakers for May and June. Facilitating in-person Family Support Groups (FSG) starting May 4, 6-7:30 pm. LEAP Communication workshop May 26 from 9-4, location TBA. Strengthening Families Together (SFT) a six-week program specific for families and friends supporting a loved one living with a mental illness will start May 30.

Larry Stranberg, Community Futures Cariboo Chilcotin (CF): Met Brenda Bailey to discuss an extension to the Planning for Succession program. Still seeing many new business plans.

Brad McKinnon, Williams Lake RCMP: We are finalizing plans for this year's Stampede and will have a strong police presence there. We are assisting the city with the homelessness challenges. In the process of meeting with stakeholders for the annual performance plan, consider how we do business and whom we do business with. Already looking at the middle of May for a coffee talk, we want people to see us people first. Laurie, we would like to extend the invitation to attend SPC community meetings on a regular basis, when available. Brad, please send the invite.

Meeting Adjourned 12:55 pm, Krista Harvey

Notable Quote



"Volunteers don't necessarily have the time, they just have the heart."

~ Elizabeth Andrew
 

2023 Community Meetings

January 23

February 27

March 27

April 24

May 29

June 26
July 24

August 
summer break, no meeting

September 25

October 23

November 27 AGM & Community Meeting

December - winter break, no meeting
Meeting minutes can be found HERE

Join Today, Become a Social Planning Council Member!


Social Planning Council is a member-supported organization. Your membership fees are critical to supporting our work connecting, collaborating, and bringing our community together for a better quality of life for all.

For more info contact info@wlspc.ca
or find a membership form HERE
The Social Planning Council of Williams Lake and Area thanks to the City of Williams Lake for their funding support.
266 Oliver Street, Williams Lake, BC   V2G 1M1

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Social Planning Council of Williams Lake and Area · 266 Oliver St · Williams Lake, BC V2G 1M1 · Canada

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