Wednesday, September 21, 2016

Quesnel Council Highlights - Sept 20th mtg

Courtesy of the City of Quesnel:

Quesnel Lions Housing Society Development – Corner of Reid Street/McNaughton Avenue
The Quesnel Lions Housing Society, developer of a proposed 30 unit housing development for seniors, recently held an Open Public House on September 13, 2016.  The City’s Director of Development Services reported that:
-          There were 23 attendees with a majority being in favour of the proposed development and who were mostly interested in obtaining housing either now or in the future. 
-          Attendees asked questions around: building accessibility; the difference between market and on-market units; expected rental rates; and management of the housing complex.
-          One major concern addressed at the Open House was clarification that a portion of the units will be non-market housing (affordable housing). 
-          There was one neighbour that has very strong concerns about noise, traffic and property value, but overall the majority in attendance at the Open House had little to no concerns regarding these issues.
Council set a Public Hearing for 7 pm on Tuesday, October 4, 2016 at City Hall Council Chambers regarding Bylaw 1781 (Official Community Plan Amendment) and Bylaw 1782 (Zoning Amendment) for this proposed development.
Bylaw of the Month – Long Vehicles in Angle Parking Spots
The focus for October’s Bylaw of the Month is to develop awareness regarding regulations around maximum vehicle length that is permitted within angle parking spots.  The City’s Streets, Traffic and Parking Bylaw 1773 does not permit vehicles over 6.5 meters to park in angle parking spots.  The 6.5 meters includes any objects or items extending from the front or back of the vehicle such as trailer attachments, snowmobiles, canoes, kayaks, lumber, bicycles, etc.  Oversized vehicles parked along roadways in angle parking spots restrict traffic flow creating a safety hazard for road users and contribute to congestion, especially in the City’s downtown core. 
BC Ferries Services between Port Hardy and Bella Coola
At the April 26, 2016 Quesnel City Council meeting, Council supported the Mid-Coast BC Ferry Working Group and supported the Coastal First Nations communities new vision for a two-ferry solution for economic development and job creation by reinstating BC Ferries services between Port hardy and Bella Coola, known as Route 40 or the Discovery coast Route.  Council has been informed that the Provincial government announced on September 6, 2016 that the Provincial government is committed to a seasonal direct BC Ferries service between Bella Coola and Port Hardy, on a new vessel, to commence in the spring of 2018.  This new ferry will be in addition to the existing “connector” ferry service that services the communities of Bella Coola, Bella Bella, Ocean Falls, Klemtu and Shearwater.   This initiative will support tourism development and economic stability across the region.
North Cariboo Region Community Opportunities Session
Quesnel has been chosen as the first community to pilot a Provincial government outreach session, held at the Quesnel Seniors Centre on September 20, 2016, to support increased economic development and diversification with a focus on small business.
Quesnel Curling Club
The Quesnel Curling Club has expressed concerns about the lack of parking and lighting during the construction of the West Fraser Centre this winter.  City staff will continue to monitor parking concerns as the winter season progresses and commit to work with arena/curling club user groups and the general contractor to address concerns.  Due to the ongoing construction of this large project, parking will be more difficult and users are asked to be patient.  People attending the curling rink and ice arenas are asked to consider carpooling and to give themselves extra time as parking is limited for these facilities.
Bylaws 
-    Bylaw 1781/1782 – Seniors Housing Development (Reid St/McNaughton Ave) – Public Hearing – 7 pm October 4, 2016 at City Hall Council Chambers
-    Bylaw 1809 – Permissive Tax Exemptions (Non-Profits Category) – Final Adoption
Next Meetings
7 pm – October 4, 2016 - Regular Council Meeting
5:30 pm – October 11, 2016 – North Cariboo Joint Planning Committee

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