CRD Candidate Imformation Guide

Cariboo Regional District

Candidate Information Guide The Cariboo Regional District (CRD) serves residents across a vast and diverse region of central British Columbia.

Covering approximately 80,000 square kilometres, the CRD includes 12 electoral areas and four member municipalities: the City of Williams Lake, the City of Quesnel, the District of 100 Mile House, and the District of Wells.

The CRD is governed by a Board of Directors made up of 16 elected representatives, including 12 Electoral Area Directors and four municipal representatives. Together, the Board is responsible for making decisions about regional services, budgets, bylaws, and long-term planning that affect communities throughout the Cariboo.

Understanding what the CRD does—and what it does not do—is an important part of understanding the role of local government. This guide provides an overview of the CRD's services and responsibilities, explains the distinct roles of Directors and staff, and highlights some common misconceptions about the organization's authority.

If you're considering running for local office, it's important to understand the scope of the Cariboo Regional District's responsibilities. This guide highlights the services the CRD provides, areas of authority, and common issues that fall outside its jurisdiction to help prospective candidates better understand the role of an Electoral Area Director.

CRD Responsibilities at a Glance Fire protection and emergency services

Hospitals and hospital operations

Recreation facilities and parks

Doctors, nurses, and other health-care services

Libraries

Ambulance services

Solid waste management and recycling

Public schools and school districts

Community water systems in serviced areas

Septic systems, lagoons and wells

Community sewer systems in serviced areas

Provincial highways

Regional emergency management Land use planning

Roads including maintenance, snow clearing, and ditches

Development applications

Driver licensing and vehicle registration

Building inspection services

Policing budgets and staffing levels

Bylaw enforcement in designated service areas

Provincial parks

Invasive species management programs

Crown land management

What Does an Electoral Area Director Do? Electoral Area Directors are elected to represent residents living outside municipal boundaries. Directors serve as the voice of their communities at the regional level while also participating in decisions that affect the Cariboo Regional District as a whole.

Key responsibilities include: Attending Board and committee meetings Reviewing reports, bylaws, policies, and budgets Making decisions on regional services and programs Participating in long-term planning and strategic initiatives Representing the interests of residents in their electoral area Responding to constituent questions and concerns Attending community meetings, events, and functions Serving on committees, boards, and working groups as appointed Advocating for local priorities and regional interests

Directors must balance the needs of their own electoral area with the needs of the region as a whole. While residents often bring a wide range of concerns to their Director, Directors do not manage day-to-day operations or direct staff. Instead, they work through the Board to establish policies, budgets, and priorities for the organization.

No previous political experience is required. Successful Directors come from a variety of backgrounds and bring a broad range of skills, experiences, and perspectives to the role.

Directors and Staff: Who Does What?

The Cariboo Regional District operates under a governance model where elected officials and professional staff have distinct but complementary roles.

Directors Represent residents and communities Consider and approve policies and bylaws Approve budgets and service levels Set strategic priorities Participate in regional decision-making Advocate for community interests Attend Board and committee meetings Make decisions collectively as part of the Board

Staff Deliver services and programs Implement Board decisions Manage day-to-day operations Provide professional advice and recommendations Administer CRD facilities and services Prepare reports, budgets, and policy recommendations Support the Board in its decision-making Carry out Board-approved policies and bylaws

Cariboo Regional District Electoral Area Director Time Commitments Serving as an Electoral Area Director requires a significant commitment of time and participation in regional governance.

Directors are expected to attend: Regular CRD Board meetings (approximately 11 per year) Cariboo Chilcotin Regional Hospital District meetings (approximately 11 per year) Committee of the Whole meetings (approximately 4 per year) Finance/Budget Committee meetings (approximately 3 per year) Rural Directors' Caucus and Joint Committee meetings (approximately 10 per year) Advisory Planning Commission meetings, public hearings, and other meetings as required

In addition to formal meetings, Directors may be appointed to represent the CRD on committees, boards, and working groups, and are often called upon to attend community events, meetings, and functions within their electoral area.

Directors are also encouraged to participate in local government conferences and training opportunities throughout the year, including: Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) North Central Local Government Association (NCLGA) Electoral Area Directors' Forum (EADF) Local Government Leadership Academy (LGLA)

The exact time commitment varies by electoral area and level of involvement, but candidates should be prepared for a regular and ongoing commitment throughout their term.

Beyond the Meeting Schedule The meetings and commitments listed above represent only part of a Director's role.

Before each Board and committee meeting, Directors spend time reviewing agenda packages, reports, bylaws, policies, budgets, and other supporting materials. Staff research issues, gather information, consult with stakeholders where appropriate, and prepare reports outlining options, impacts, and recommendations for the Board's consideration.

Directors use this time to ask questions, seek clarification, and consider how decisions may affect residents, services, and the region as a whole. At meetings, Directors discuss these matters with their colleagues and make decisions collectively as members of the Board.

Many decisions require balancing local priorities with regional needs, considering both short- and long-term impacts, and evaluating the financial and service implications of various options.

Serving as a Director involves more than attending meetings. It requires ongoing learning, preparation, thoughtful discussion, and informed decision-making throughout the term.

Cariboo Regional District 2026 Meeting Schedule Meeting Date January 15, 2026 January 16, 2026 February 6, 2026 February 26, 2026 February 27, 2026 March 19, 2026 March 20, 2026 April 10, 2026 May 1, 2026 May 29, 2026 June 18, 2026 June 19, 2026 July 10, 2026 August 14, 2026 September 10, 2026 September 11, 2026 October 2, 2026 November 13, 2026 December 3, 2026 December 4, 2026

Meeting Type FIN CCRHD/BOARD CCRHD/BOARD FIN CCRHD/BOARD COW CCRHD/BOARD CCRHD/BOARD CCRHD/BOARD CCRHD/BOARD COW CCRHD/BOARD CCRHD/BOARD CCRHD/BOARD COW CCRHD/BOARD CCRHD/BOARD CCRHD/BOARD COW/FIN CCRHD/BOARD

Time TBA 9:30/9:45 am 9:30/9:45 am TBA 9:30/9:45 am TBA 9:30/9:45 am 9:30/9:45 am 9:30/9:45 am 9:30/9:45 am TBA 9:30/9:45am 9:30/9:45 am 9:30/9:45 am TBA 9:30/9:45 am 9:30/9:45 am 9:30/9:45 am TBA 9:30/9:45 am

Meeting Types: BOARD – CRD Board of Directors CCRHD – Cariboo Chilcotin Regional Hospital District FIN – Finance/Budget Committee COW – Committee of the Whole Abbreviations: CRD – Cariboo Regional District TBA – To be announced WL – CRD Boardroom – CRD office, 180D North Third Ave., Williams Lake, BC Other Conference Dates to Note: EA Directors Forum: March 10-11, 2026 Local Government Leadership Academy Conference: March 11-13, 2026 North Central Local Government Association Conference: May 20-22, 2026 Federation of Canadian Municipalities Conference: June 4-7, 2026

Location WL WL WL WL WL WL WL WL WL WL TBA TBA WL WL WL WL WL WL WL WL

Frequently Asked Questions Do I need previous political experience to run?

No. Electoral Area Directors come from a wide variety of backgrounds. An interest in your community, a willingness to learn, and a commitment to public service are often more important than previous political experience.

Do I need to live in the electoral area I want to represent?

No, candidates must meet the eligibility requirements set out in provincial legislation. For details on eligibility requirements, please contact the Chief Election Officer or visit the Province of British Columbia's local elections website.

How much time does the role require?

The time commitment varies by electoral area and level of involvement. Directors attend Board and committee meetings, review meeting materials, respond to constituent inquiries, participate in community events, and may serve on additional committees or working groups.

Do Directors receive remuneration?

Directors receive remuneration and are reimbursed for eligible expenses in accordance with CRD bylaws and policies.

Can I keep my current job if I become a Director?

Many Directors continue to work while serving in office. However, candidates should carefully consider the time commitment associated with the role.

Board meetings are typically full-day meetings, and committee meetings may be scheduled during the morning, afternoon, or evening depending on the committee and its members. Directors are also expected to spend time reviewing meeting materials, responding to constituent inquiries, attending community events, and participating in training and conferences.

A flexible work schedule and a supportive employer can be valuable assets for those considering the role.

Do Directors receive training?

Yes. Newly elected Directors participate in orientation and training sessions and have access to ongoing professional development opportunities throughout their term.

Do Directors make decisions on their own?

No. Decisions are made collectively by the Board of Directors. Individual Directors represent their communities and contribute to discussions, but Board decisions are made through resolutions voted on by the Board as a whole.

What is the difference between a Director and a Mayor or Councillor?

Electoral Area Directors represent residents living outside municipal boundaries and make decisions on regional services through the Cariboo Regional District Board. Mayors and Councillors represent residents within municipalities and are responsible for municipal services and governance within their communities.

Can I attend Board meetings before deciding whether to run?

Yes. Board meetings are open to the public, and agendas and minutes are available on the CRD website.

What if residents bring me concerns about roads, health care, or other issues outside the CRD's authority?

Residents often contact their Director about a wide range of issues. While Directors may advocate on behalf of residents and help connect them with the appropriate agency, many services such as health care, schools, highways, and most roads are the responsibility of other levels of government.

Where can I learn more?

For information about nominations, eligibility, election procedures, and the role of an Electoral Area Director, please contact the Chief Election Officer or visit the Cariboo Regional District website.

2026 General Local Election Timeline September 1‒11, 2026 Candidate nomination period. Individuals wishing to run for local office must submit nomination papers during this period. Declaration of Candidates at 4 p.m. on the 11th of September.

September 18, 2026 Deadline to withdrawal as a candidate 4 p.m.

September 19, 2026 Official campaign period begins.

September 21, 2026 CEO declares election by voting or by acclimation 4 p.m.

October 7, 2026 Advance voting opportunity.

October 13, 2026 Advance voting opportunity October 17, 2026 General Voting Day Vote for your local elected officials, including Regional District Directors, Mayors, Councillors, and School Trustees, depending on where you live.