On December 4, 2017, the District of Barriere reached its tenth anniversary of Incorporation.
The general voting day for the Question of Incorporation took place on June 16, 2007, and was passed. The Inauguration date was Dec. 4, 2007, and at that time the first mayor and council for the fledgling municipality were sworn in.
The Letters Patent was signed by Ida Chong, Minister of Community Services for the province of British Columbia.
The population in the community of Barriere at the time of incorporation stood at 1723.
Elected to the first Council for a one year term until the next election: Michael Fennell – Mayor, Kathy Cooper – Councillor, Ron Glanville – Councillor, Pat Paula – Councillor, Virginia Smith – Councillor, Ward Stamer – Councillor, Glen Stanley - Councillor.
Elected to the second Council in 2008 for a three year term were: Michael Fennell – Mayor, Ron Glanville – Councillor, Rhonda Kershaw - Councillor, Pat Paula – Councillor, Virginia Smith – Councillor, Ward Stamer – Councillor, Glen Stanley - Councillor.
Elected to the third Council in 2011 for a four year term were: Bill Humphreys – Mayor, Bill Kershaw – Councillor, Pat Paula – Councillor, Amanda Sabyan – Councillor, Virginia Smith – Councillor. Ward Stamer – Councillor, Glen Stanley - Councillor.
Elected to the fourth Council in 2014 for a four year term were: Virginia Smith – Mayor, Michael Fennell - Councillor, Al Fortin – Councillor, Donna Kibble – Councillor, Pat Paula – Councillor, Amanda Sabyan - Councillor, Ward Stamer – Councillor.
The District of Barriere started operating out of the Barriere Improvement District office (now the radio station) on Dec. 4, 2007. In January 2008, the District Offices were opened in the Barriere Ridge Elementary School, and remain there today.
In 2007, the District began investigating the feasibility of extending the District’s water system to service the old Tolko mill site in Louis Creek which was purchased by the provincial government and in the subdivision process. The development of this industrial site, now called the Louis Creek Industrial Park with lots in Provincial, District and Simpcw First Nation ownership, would add properties to the tax roll of the municipality and create jobs. This subdivision process took until February of 2014 before it was completed and the lands transferred from Crown ownership to the District of Barriere. The subdivision also includes the Wildfire Dragon Monument Site and Spirit Square Park developed by the McLure Wildfire Monument Society after the 2003 fires.
The District of Barriere council initiated the preparation of an Official Community Plan (OCP) in 2008. The District applied for a $315,000 grant to cover the cost of the plan which was finally adopted in September of 2011.
A new Barriere-specific Zoning Bylaw was adopted in 2014.
The District of Barriere and municipality of Sun Peaks have been sharing the cost of a building inspector for a number of years now.
Total grant money received to date for District of Barriere community projects total $14,180,538 since Dec. 4, 2007. These grant monies include: • 2008 - $315,000 Community Development Grant for the Official Community Plan. • 2009 - $525,788 Infrastructure Stimulus Fund - waterline upgrades (The District of Barriere also contributed $350,000 to the project). • 2009 - $400,000 Towns for Tomorrow Grant - field-house and bandshell construction (District contributed $100,000). • 2001 - $400,000 Towns For Tomorrow Grant - water meters (total budget $580,000). • 2012 - $372,000 TNRD Regional Septage Application - Septage Receiving additional costs.
Staffing for the District of Barriere from 2007 until today:
The first Chief Administrative Officer/Corporate Officer for the District of Barriere was Wayne Vollrath (2007-2010), followed by Colleen Hannigan (2010 to present). Finance Officer is Nora Johnson. The Deputy Corporate Officer is Tasha Buchanan (2014 to present). The first Executive Assistant was Penny Lurbiecki (2007), then Tasha Buchanan (2008 to 2014). Reception is Ellen Krause. The Senior Water Utilities Specialist is Doug Borrill, with Utilities Specialist Paul Amos. Solid Waste Management is Jim Harms (2007 to present), and Chris Frezell (2016 to present) The Parks and Roads Manager is Dustin Doherty (2012 to present). The Fire Chief was Al Kirkwood (2007 to 2016). Building Inspector is Gerald Allgaier (2011to present). Administrative Assistant / Accounting Clerk is Lynn Wright (longest term casual employee 2007 to present).