Wednesday, April 17, 2019

Quesnel Council Highlights - Apr 16th mtg

Courtesy of the City of Quesnel:


British Columbia Lottery Corporation

Greg Walker, Director of Public Affairs, British Columbia Lottery Corporation (“BCLC”), highlighted for Council the BCLC’s structure, vision, provincial/community revenues and responsible gaming.
In 2017/18, BCLC delivered $1.4 billion in net income to the Province of BC.  The City of Quesnel has received $10.45 million in revenue since the opening of the Billy Barker Casino.  In the last 3 years, the City of Quesnel has received the following:
  • $497,000 (2017/18)
  • $479,000 (2016/17)
  • $468,000 (2015/16)
The Province of B.C. allocates $140 million annually to community organizations through the Community Gaming Grant program.  In 2018, $622,205 went to 41 different organizations in human and social services sector, public safety, sports, arts and culture, and parent advisory councils.
There have been 50 local jobs created by the Billy Barker Casino with the Casino also providing financial support to various local community groups. 
Responsible Gambling Facts:
  • On average, 72.5% of adults participated in at least one gambling activity in the past 12 months;
  • Moderate and high-risk problem gamblers make up an estimate of 3.3% of adult British Columbians
  • Annually, BCLC spends an estimated $6.6 million on responsible gaming and problem gambling initiatives, programs and research
Responsible gambling resources available in BC include:
  • GameSense Advisor Program
  • BC GamInfo Line
  • Free Counselling Services

2019 Paving and Road Repairs - Contract Award

The City received one bid, from Quesnel Paving, for the 2019 Asphalt and Road Patching Tender that closed on March 27, 2019.  The Capital and Operating combined paving budgeted for 2019 is $1,025,000.  Council approved awarding this tender to Quesnel Paving with options of up to two year by year mutually agreed upon extensions.   

2019 Strategic Plan

Council has approved the City’s 2019 Strategic Plan.  The 2019 Strategic Plan lists what key strategic actions Quesnel City Council and City staff will work on throughout 2019. The 2019 Strategic Plan’s actions are broken down into the following areas:  Community Health and Safety; Financial Stability of the Corporation; Economic Stability and Diversification; Environment Stewardship; Governance; and Infrastructure Re-Investment.

Housing for Healthcare Professionals

Council weighed in on how the City could support recruitment and retention of healthcare professionals to the community by assisting with temporary housing.  Council approved renting, on a trail basis, one two-bedroom apartment.  The City’s Healthcare Recruitment Coordinator will meet with Northern Health to coordinate this housing pilot with incoming healthcare professionals.  This will build upon the previous award-winning doctor recruitment/retention “Healthcare Recruitment Red Carpet Welcome Program” run by the City of Quesnel.

Bylaws

1866 – Outdoor Cafes – Final Adoption
1868 – Sidewalk Food Vendors – Final Adoption

Next Meetings

6 pm – April 30, 2019 – Regular Council Meeting – City Hall/Council Chambers
5 pm – May 13, 2019 – North Cariboo Joint Planning Committee – Quesnel Youth Soccer Facility
6 pm – May 14, 2019 – Regular Council Meeting – City Hall/Council Chambers

No comments: