Quesnel blooms again
Quesnel put on a great show last week as the international competition of Communities in Bloom (CiB) kicked off right here in the Goldpan City from July 14 to 17.
Councillor Laurey-Anne Roodenburg, chair of the CiB committee, provided a recap of the visit to Quesnel by international judges Katy Moss Werner and Arlene Janzen. They were led on a whirlwind tour of many features of Quesnel. Besides visiting all the areas one would expect, such as beautiful landscaped areas, community facilities and special events, they also visited other sites, such as 2 Mile Flat, the bulk water plant and municipal landfill to learn more about Quesnel’s sustainability and environmental initiatives. These initiatives are highly valued in the CiB competition.
The judges also indicated that they were very impressed with the number of effective partnerships between government, service clubs, businesses and organizations that create better services, events and facilities in Quesnel.
Coun. Roodenburg thanked the community for participating, as well as local sponsors, businesses, the committee, the parks and gardens crew and City staff for helping make Quesnel’s showing a great one.
Bulk Water rates remain unchanged
Council reviewed a report regarding rates at the newly constructed bulk water plant in the North Star cloverleaf.
One bulk user approached the City asking for a reduction in rates given the large quantity of water it anticipates using. Council opted to keep the rate of $5 per cubic metre for all users.
In June, the City sold 2,215 m3 of water, totalling just over $11,000 in revenues.
Another item Council discussed was how to bill City residents who do not have access to the City’s main water system and use the bulk water plant for their purposes. Council opted to have staff prepare a report for discussion later in the year.
“State of the Region” sessions planned
During a report on the latest Cariboo Regional District Board meeting, an initiative the CRD is planning was discussed. The CRD will present “State of the Region” meetings this fall before their annual financial planning process. The sessions will allow residents to explore the regional district, its municipal partners (the City of Quesnel is a member municipality), and the services offered. Residents should watch www.cariboord.bc.ca or newspapers for session dates and times.
Busking Rules to remain
At a previous meeting, Council had requested that staff work with the Business Improvement Associations regarding regulating buskers and street performers. While the option of instituting a business licence or permit process is available for consideration, Council agreed with a staff report stating the Safe Streets Act, Trespass Act and Criminal Code of Canada provide ample protection from aggressive panhandlers or buskers.
The City will instead offer to present at various business association meetings.
Other News
Council approved auctioning off a variety of surplus items from the airport and public works department. A full list will be advertised and placed on the City’s website.
Council approved the development permit for Phase 1 of the new Quesnel Search and Rescue headquarters. The building will sit on the old mini-golf site. The zoning will change from Public Park and Open Space to Highway Service Commercial.
An application for a development permit at 370 Westland Road has been withdrawn by the applicant. An application was made to amend the Mobile Home Park Bylaw to increase the minimum distance from a fire hydrant beyond 120 metres. Staff was not going to recommend the variance, and although the applicant could have taken the matter to Council, opted not to.
Important Dates in the City of Quesnel
July 28 - 4 p.m. - Baker Creek clean-up
August 8 - Art on the Farm at Moose Meadows
Future Meetings:
Next Regular Council Meetings:
July 26 (special meeting), August 16 (regular)
Next Delegation Meeting:
September 7
Next Committee of the Whole Meeting:
September 20
Next North Cariboo Joint Planning Committee Meeting
September 14
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