Quesnel Council Highlights - May 11th mtg

Courtesy of the City of Quesnel:

Community Achievement Award

Mayor Simpson recognized Mr. Tom Moffat receiving the British Columbia Community Achievement Award which is given to those considered to have made outstanding contribution to their communities. Mr. Moffat’s community contributions include involvement with the Cattlemen’s Association, the forest industry, and the Museum and Heritage Commission. Mr. Moffat is a 68-year Royal Canadian Legion member and the Canadian veteran chosen to attend Holland’s World War II Liberty Day celebrations on behalf of the Canadian Air Force. He is part of the Moffat pioneering family from Quesnel, and was recently selected to ride from Quesnel in the send-off parade for the “Veteran’s Ride Across Canada”.
Mr. Moffat expressed his gratitude and was honoured to receive the British Columbia Community Achievement Award. He hoped that he represented the City of Quesnel with dignity and respect.

Capital Works Program

City Council has approved the 2015 Capital Works Program which includes Road Rehabilitation/Overlay Paving in the amount of approximately $375,000.
These paving projects are part of our infrastructure upgrades funded through the Capital Reinvestment Program. The 2015 program totals $399,060 and includes the following:
- Johnston Ave from Leonard St E to Lambert St = $74,690
- North Fraser Dr from Elliott St S to English St = $38,940
- Gavlin Rd from Grosz Rd to Phillips Rd = $65,830
- Kinchant St from St. Laurent N to Shepherd Ave = $60,990
- Barlow Ave from Front St E to McLean St incl. Reid St intersection = $76,170
- Brownmiller Rd S bound lane only from McLeod Rd N to Tolko scales = $82,440
Four additional projects were approved by Council as well. They are:
- Johnston Flats from the traffic circle W to Carry St = $101,030
- Johnston Bridge Loop from the N end of Johnston Bridge to a point 355 meters W, near the train bridge = $84,420
- Wade St from Anderson Dr to Willis St = $37,950
- North Fraser Dr from near Gemini Rd N to Mills Rd = $161,530

The total of the projects combined (ten) have an estimated cost of $783,990.

Downtown core rejuvenation

The downtown core will soon see some exterior renovations. Council approved the Development Permit for the Circle S Western Wear facade renovation at 343 Reid Street.
The applicant is proposing both front and rear facade improvements as well, new siding and awning signage will be added to the front. The rear and sides will be painted.

Parks Plan survey revealed

Council was presented with an overview of the Master Parks Plan survey results which was conducted in March of 2015. The survey was to obtain public views on City parks. With 357 respondents to the survey, an excellent overview on the community’s opinions of City Parks was obtained.
The survey showed there was a high level of value and satisfaction with City Parks and identified a list of amenity and park improvement requests. For the complete survey results see the City’s website at www.quesnel.ca/ourquesnel.html.

Public Consultation on the Draft Parks Plan is set to take place Tuesday June 23. Times and location will be announced shortly.

Other news

- Representatives from the Canadian Cancer Society and Northern Health attended at Council to raise awareness on their Smoke-Free Communities campaign. The City was encouraged to join other BC communities in passing a bylaw on Outdoor Tobacco Use. The matter was referred to the Policy and Bylaw Committee for review.
- Remedial Action Order for 371 Lewis Drive remains in effect. Owners have until June 1, 2015 to demolish the buildings at that location.
- Council approved the option for Wilson/Jones Street Storm Water Connection Project in Lebourdais Park which provided for a different layout of the system. The option is less invasive on the property but at an increased cost of approximately $31,000.
- Council concurred that the Notice of Title on property located on Oval Road not proceed as the proponents have addressed and completed all building deficiencies.
- Council provided the first three readings on the following bylaws:
- Bylaw 1761 - Repealing Bylaw;
- Bylaw 1762 - Sewer Regulations; and
- Bylaw 1763 - Water Regulations.

FUTURE MEETINGS:

Monday May 25 @ 7 p.m.
Regular Meeting

Tuesday, June 9 @ 5:30 p.m.
North Cariboo Joint Planning Committee Meeting