COMMUNITIES CAN ACCESS ANTI-DRUG FUNDS

From the Cariboo Regional District board meeting Jan. 20:

Crystal Meth

Communities in the Cariboo now have access to funds designated to
address the growing issue of crystal methamphetamine usage.

"The Honorable John Les, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor
General and the Honorable Ida Chong, Minister of Community Services,
recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Union of B.C.
Communities (UBCM) to provide $2M in seed funding for community based
Crystal Methamphetamine Response programs," said Shelly Burich, the
Cariboo Regional District Communications director.

This initiative is part of a $7 million program announced by the
premier at the 2005 UBCM Convention.

Firefighting

The Cariboo Regional District (CRD) is forging ahead with the
Community Wildfire Protection Planning (CWPP) throughout the region.
Mustang Wildfire Services of Quesnel has been contracted to carry out
the interface wildfire hazard assessments.

"The first phase of the project will identify high-level fire risk
areas within the region, while the second phase will examine those
risks at a community level," she said. "The assessments will also
lead to on-the-ground hazard reduction and public awareness programs
to minimize the risk level in areas identified as having the highest
potential for interface fires."

The planning is funded by the UBCM, and the CRD and is scheduled to
be completed by the end of March 2006.

"The regional district is also participating with ongoing community
wildfire planning in several member municipalities including Quesnel,
Williams Lake and 100 Mile House, to ensure a consistent, effective
final product is achieved," she noted.