Local Gov't Mtgs - Wk of December 2-6

The following local governments of the Cariboo-Chilcotin will be meeting next week, as follows:

Wells - Regular Council Meeting on Tuesday, December 3rd at 7pm in Wells Council Chambers (4243 Sanders Avenue).  As of this writing, the Agenda is currently not available

Quesnel - Meetings as noted below:

Financial Sustainability/Audit Committee - Regular Meeting on Tuesday, December 3rd at 3pm in the Fraser Room (4th Floor, 410 Kinchant Street).  On the Agenda:

* Capital Budget Update
* Budget Overview Discussion
* In-Camera Session - Sec 90(1c - labour) of the Community Charter

View the full Agenda here

Public Hearing on Bylaws 1879/1880 (New OCP/Zoning Bylaws) -- Tuesday, December 3rd at 5pm in Quesnel Council Chambers (4th Floor, 410 Kinchant St).  The full Agenda can be viewed here

Municipal Council -- Regular Meeting on Tuesday, December 3rd at 6pm in Quesnel Council Chambers.  On the Agenda:

* Presentation: Quesnel Waterfront Development Plan

* Committee Reports
* Curling Centre - Community Works Funds (City/CRD)

View the full Agenda here

Executive Committee -- Regular Meeting on Wednesday, December 4th at 9am in the Fraser Room 410 Kinchant Street, Quesnel.  On the Agenda:

* Community Forest update
* Council Resolutions to Local Government Associations (UBCM/FCM)
* Disposition of Alex Fraser Room pictures and other City/gifted items

* In-Camera Session - Sec 90(1l - discussion with City officers re: Annual Report - Strategic Plan Update)

View the full Agenda here

Williams Lake - Regular Council Meeting on Tuesday, December 3rd at 6pm in WL Council Chambers (450 Mart St.).  On the Agenda:

* Award of 5 Year Banking Services Contract

* Annual Appointments for 2019/20 term

* Annual Council Meeting Schedule for 2020

* SPCA Pound Services Contract Renewal

* Letter from MP Doherty re: GPS Electronic Monitoring of Prolific Offenders in Williams Lake

View the full Agenda here

Cariboo Regional District - Meetings as noted below in the Cariboo Regional District Boardroom (180D North 3rd Avenue, Williams Lake).

CCRHD - Regular Board Meeting on Friday, December 6th at 9:30am.  On the Agenda:

* Refresh of the Interior Health Vision, Mission and Values Statements - Focus Group Session
* Capital Projects Update from Chair Simpson

View the full Agenda here

Cariboo RD - Regular Board Meeting on Friday, December 6th at 9:45am or upon adjournment of the CCRHD Board Meeting.  On the Agenda:

* Delegations (2) -- Martina Beck, Invasive Fauna Unit Head, Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy re: terrestrial and aquatic invasive species, excluding plants, within the CRD & Gail Wallin, Executive Director, Invasive Species Council of BC re: overview on work being done in partnership with the CRD.

* Various Land Use Matters for consideration
* Community Works Fund applications from 100 Mile Community Club and Williams Lake Curling Club
* Grants for Assistance (Year Round Intake) applications (3)
* NDIT Application – Business Façade Improvement Program 2020
* NCLGA 2020 Resolutions Deadline
* Consent Calendar
* Committee Minutes and recommendations for endorsement
* Requests from Director S. Forseth (Area D) re: CRD Staff appointment to Charge North Advisory Committee; Director A. Richmond (Area G) re: Thompson Watershed Disaster Mitigation Advisory Committee and Director W. Macdonald (Area L) re: Attend 2020 BC Natural Resources Forum
* 2020 Outside Organizations Appointments (Fraser Basin Council, NDIT, Municipal Finance Authority)
* Written report from CAO J. MacLean re: his recent activities

View the full Agenda here

West Fraser Aquatic Centre Extended Hours

Courtesy of the City of Williams Lake:

From now (November 28th, 2019) until the New Year (January 1st, 2020), the West Fraser Aquatic Centre will increase hours for public swimming on weekends. Starting November 30^th take advantage of our Everyone Welcome Swims commencing at 10:00 am each Saturday and Sunday. As the days are getting colder and mornings are chilly, these extended hours will be a great opportunity to get out and stay active with your family, friends or by yourself.

Enjoy the benefits of a low impact, high resistance workout by walking the lazy river while children play in the jets and carwash, or perfect your stroke in the lap pool. Get a good morning workout in the Fitness Centre while your children play in the pool and finish up in the hot tub, sauna, or steam room.

We have additional events to keep everyone busy over the holiday season.

• Free Skate Sunday, December 1^st, 1:45 – 3:15 pm, generously sponsored by Johnston Meier Insurance Agencies Group.
• Free Skate with Santa, Sunday, December 8^th from 1:45 – 3:15 pm, generously sponsored by Dana Lynn Favel at REMAX and the Downtown Williams Lake Winter Lights Festival. Donations to the Food Bank will be collected at this event.
• Elf on Shelf, Ernie the Holiday Elf will be hiding in a new place each day in the Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex from December 1^st – 24^th. Find Ernie and enter a draw to win free drop-in passes to the Complex.

Keep fit and have fun at the Recreation Complex this Holiday Season.

Quesnel Council Highlights - Nov 26th mtg

Courtesy of the City of Quesnel:

Master Land Use Bylaw Revisions The City is reviewing its Official Community Plan Bylaw and Zoning Bylaw is the future vision of how our community will be developed and what it could look like out to 2030. Council has provided second reading, as amended, for these proposed bylaws. Public consultation has been ongoing throughout the community through November. The City held a public open house on November 21, 2019 from 4 pm to 8 pm at City Hall Council Chambers where approximately 65 residents attended. The Public Hearing for the proposed Official Community Plan and Zoning bylaws is 5 pm, Tuesday, December 3, 2019 at City Hall Council Chambers. Where do I find the draft Official Community Plan Bylaw 1879 and Zoning Bylaw 1880? Visit the City’s website at: www.quesnel.ca/ocp-and-zoning Visit City Hall Main Reception area to view a hardcopy of these bylaws and corresponding large printed maps also displayed in the reception area. Where can submit my feedback of these bylaws to City staff for the Public Hearing? Public Written submissions will continue to be accepted until the December 3, 2019 Public Hearing adjourns. Email City staff at: developmentservices@quesnel.ca What are the major changes to the draft Official Community Plan and Zoning bylaws? First Nations Collaboration Hazardous Area Development Permit Areas and West Quesnel Land Stability Study Area Floodplain Hazardous Area Development Permit New Housing Opportunities Secondary Suite Dwelling Secondary Dwelling Carriage House Dwelling Urban Agriculture Hobby Beekeeping Backyard Hens Environment and Sustainability Fire Smart Policies Commercial Area Development Permits Zones Removed or Changed Please review the City Staff Reports for full details of the proposed major changes to the Official Community Plan and Zoning bylaw, the summary of the public consultation held in the community throughout the month of November, and the summary of the public consultation from the open house held on November 21, 2019.

Housing Needs Assessment, Gap Analysis and Action Plan A Housing Needs, Gap Analysis, and Action Plan (“Report”) has been completed by Urbanics Consultant Ltd. for the City of Quesnel and the surrounding Electoral Areas located in the Cariboo Regional District. This Report provides: quantitative data; a better understanding of the community’s housing needs; ensures local policies, plan and development decisions related to housing are based on recent evidence; and allows the community to be responsive to current and future housing needs. The key findings of this report are: lack of serviced, desirable lands; rapidly aging population; declining household sizes and slow population growth; and local affordability. The Action Plan outlines how City staff will apply strategies to address the community’s housing challenges that are: Address market-rate housing needs; Address non-market housing needs; Enhance supply of rental housing; Enhance housing affordability; Maintain the quality of the current housing stock; Facilitate development on vacant lands; and Prepare for anticipated growth in population aged 65 years and over. Next Step: City Staff to work on developing the Housing Needs and Gap Analysis Action Plan Checklist that will be brought to a future Regular Council Meeting for Council’s consideration.

Gymnastics Facility Capital Reserve Council approved up to $85,000 be allocated from the Gymnastics Capital Reserve for the development of a schematic design, preliminary code review and cost estimate to co-locate the proposed Gymnastics Facility at the Quesnel & District Arts & Recreation Centre.

Sidewalk Snow/Ice Clearing – Owners/Occupiers Co-Responsibility Council approved the first three readings to the Streets, Traffic and Parking Bylaw that would update language regarding snow/ice removal on City sidewalks outside of downtown, requiring property owners to help clear sidewalks in front of or adjacent to their property within 24 hours of a snow or ice event. The City does it’s best to reach all sidewalks within 24 hours of a snow event but cannot always make that timeline, especially during heavy snowfalls and prolonged ice events. The City’s snow budget is climbing each year, due to major snow and ice events becoming more frequent, so a more collaborative approach is required to keep costs under control.

Comprehensive Fees and Charges - Update Council approved the first three readings of the City’s Comprehensive Fees and Charges Amendment Bylaw. The bylaw includes increases, effective January 1st each year, to water utility rates, sewer utility rates, residential garbage rates, landfill disposal rates, cemetery rates, airport fees and other miscellaneous fees.

Bylaws 1879 – Official Community Plan – Second Reading As Amended 1880 – Zoning – Second Reading As Amended 1881 – Council Procedure – First and Second 1882 & Schedules – Comprehensive Fees and Charges Amendment Bylaw – First, Second and Third 1883 – Streets, Traffic and Parking Bylaw Amendment – Sidewalk Clearing – First, Second,Third

Next Meetings 5 pm – December 3, 2019 – Public Hearing – Official Community Plan 1879 & Zoning Bylaw 1880 – City Hall Council Chambers 6 pm – December 3, 2019 – Regular Meeting 6 pm – December 17, 2019 – Regular Meeting

2020-2022 Central Cariboo Arts/Culture Fee for Service Agreements

Joint Release of the Central Cariboo Arts/Culture Society; City of Williams Lake and Cariboo Regional District:

The Cariboo Regional District (CRD), City of Williams Lake and Central Cariboo Arts and Culture Society (CCACS) announced the recipients of the 2020-2022 Arts and Culture Fee-for-Service agreements. The agreements are intended to provide a stable source of annual funding on a multi-year basis to allow non-profits to undertake effective planning and make the most of the substantial volunteer time required to deliver services.
 
A committee made up of governance representatives from the CRD, City of Williams Lake and CCACS reviewed the selected participants for the Arts and Culture Fee-for-Service agreements. The CRD Board of Directors approved the committee’s recipient recommendations at their Nov. 15 meeting for a total of $84,500. The agreements are delivered through the CCACS.
 
“Supporting arts and culture is an important part of diversifying our economy and making the region a great place to live. The CRD Board is pleased to be able to support our local non-profits and provide secure funding to further the projects and initiatives they facilitate. We encourage you to take advantage of the great programs they offer,” states Steve Forseth, CRD Electoral Area D Director and co-chair of the Central Cariboo Joint Committee.
 
“The City of Williams Lake values the strong commitment of non-profit organizations to our community,” says Councillor Ivan Bonnell, Chair of the City of Williams Lake’s Community Services Committee. “We are pleased to continue to provide funding to support these groups that are so dedicated to celebrating and promoting arts and culture. Each group truly enhances the fabric of our community, and we are thankful for their ongoing efforts.”
 
Jane Perry, Past President of the CCACS and member of the Fee-for-Service Committee states, "The Fee-for-Service process demonstrates excellent coordination among the City, CRD and CCACS and we look forward to supporting the next three years of operations for these arts and culture groups through committed funding. Their work improves our collective quality of life and the ongoing development of arts and culture in the Central Cariboo.”
 
The Central Cariboo Arts and Culture service of the CRD was established in 2009. It provides the funding for project grants, Fee-for-Service agreements and the operation of the Central Cariboo Arts Centre. The taxation area for this function includes the City of Williams Lake and Cariboo Regional District Electoral Areas D, E and F which encompasses the communities of Wildwood, McLeese Lake, Soda Creek, Dog Creek, Alkali Lake, Sugar Cane, 150 Mile House, Horsefly, Big Lake and Likely.
 

2020-2022 Arts and Culture Fee-for-Service Agreement Recipients

• Museum of the Cariboo Chilcotin ($38,000)
• Station House Gallery and Studio Society ($20,000)
• Community Arts Council of Williams Lake ($7,000)
• Horsefly Historical Society, Horsefly Pioneer Museum ($4,000)
• Likely Chamber of Commerce, Cedar City Museum ($4,000)
• Arts on the Fly Festival Society, Arts on the Fly ($3,000)
• 150 Mile Greenbelt, Trail & Heritage Society, 150 Mile Schoolhouse ($2,500)
• Scout Island Nature Centre, Art in Nature/Nature in Art ($2,500)
• Women’s Contact Society, Williams Lake Children’s Festival ($2,000)
• Cariboo Festival Society, Cariboo Festival ($1,500)

Real solutions needed

Courtesy of the City of Quesnel:

Editor's Note -- weekly column by Quesnel Mayor Bob Simpson.  He can be reached via email here

I received an email recently from a person who visited Quesnel during Billy Barker Days. The email stated that as a former resident, this visitor was shocked at the flagrant public drug use and vagrancy he witnessed in the downtown area. His suggested solution was that we establish a secure detention center somewhere outside the City, using Military Police.

Without question, Quesnel is experiencing an increase in vagrancy, squatting, flagrant public consumption of illicit drugs and petty property crime related to drug addiction. We’re also experiencing an increase in violent crime among the individuals who are engaged in the illicit drug trade, and property crime related to drug addiction. This increase in criminal activity is reflected in the annual crime severity index that the press like to make hay with each year.

Based on 2019 statistics, Quesnel now ranks third highest in the overall Crime Severity Index (CSI) and fifth in violent crime. More troubling, we have the second highest five-year average increase in the CSI score.

To put this into perspective: Surrey had 15 homicides, 2,093 assaults, and 2,751 break and enters; Toronto had 103 homicides, 12,417 assaults, and 7,395 break and enters; Quesnel had 1 homicide, 127 assaults, and 183 break and enters. But, Quesnel ranked 3rd out of 237 communities in the overall CSI score, while Surrey ranked 85th and Toronto ranked 126th.

Without question, we need to take the year over year upward trend in the crime rates seriously; but, it’s very hard to take the claims about being one of Canada’s “most violent” communities equally as seriously. Especially when all of the top ranked “violent” communities have populations under 15,000 and rank way above much larger cities that have frequent public shootings and experience murders and assaults unrelated to the criminal class in their community.

Rather than belly ache about statistics though, Quesnel Council has taken and will continue to take concerted actions to deal with the upward trend in overall crime rates. We’ve added two more RCMP officers and have seen an additional officer added by the Province. Our overall actual RCMP staffing levels are increasing and are now closer to our full complement than we’ve seen in years. This will enable us to once again target the prolific offenders who are engaged in the bulk of the criminal activity that occurs in the City.

We’ve also added more Bylaw Officers and equipped them with stronger bylaws to deal with nuisance behaviours and properties. And, we’re working with our Business Associations to ensure they are reporting nuisance activity to Bylaw and not the RCMP so we can deal with these behaviours faster and more effectively. We’re also asking that they take steps to “target harden” their businesses to make them less susceptible to criminal activity.

The City’s Public Safety and Policing Committee and Safer Quesnel Committee are both working to develop programs to assist our residents to identify problem properties and protect our neighbourhoods from property crimes. But, individuals also need to take steps to ensure their vehicles and homes are not easy targets for petty criminals.

As I informed the former Quesnel resident who emailed me: I doubt we’ll be seeing Military Camps established anytime soon, as this is not an appropriate “solution” to deal with the complex social issues every community is now dealing with.

We need real solutions that take into account the Constitution, the law, and human rights, and Council is working with BC Housing, Northern Health, the Province, and other partners to find and implement these solutions.

In the meantime, despite the fact that we’re seeing behaviours we’re not used to seeing and that may make us uncomfortable at times, Quesnel is still a very safe place in which to live, work, and play.

Water Disruption Notice - Donald Road

Courtesy of the City of Williams Lake:

A maintenance Shutoff of the Donald Road water main will take place on Tuesday, November 26th, 2019 at 10am lasting until approximately 12pm.

During this time, the following areas may notice disruption to their water service or temporary murky water which can easily be resolved by running the taps until they run clear:

Donald Road - Including Boitanio Apartments, excluding the Coast Hotel & Boston Pizza
Broadway Avenue North - Proctor Street to Windmill Crescent (South Entrance)
Mayfield Avenue - Cygnet Street to Broadway Avenue
Lakeview Avenue - Pine Crescent to Windmill Crescent (South Entrance)
Summit Street
Tower Crescent

If the maintenance has to be extended, we will inform the public as soon as possible.

Should you have any further questions, please contact:

Jeff Bernardy - Senior Engineering Technologist
Ph: 250.392.1767
Email: jbernardy@williamslake.ca

Local Gov't Mtgs - Wk of Nov 25-29

The following local governments of the Cariboo-Chilcotin are meeting next week, as follows:

Quesnel - Regular Council Meeting on Tuesday, November 26th at 6pm in Quesnel Council Chambers (4th Floor, 410 Kinchant St). On the Agenda:

* Recommendations from Policy and Bylaw Committee - November 12, 2019 Mtg
* Mayoral Appointment for 2020 and Proposed Council Remuneration Policy Amendments
* Statistics Canada Crime Severity Index
* Housing Needs Assessment, Gap Analysis and Action Plan
* Gymnastics Facility Capital Reserve
* Streets, Traffic and Parking Bylaw Amendment - Sidewalk Clearing
* Comprehensive Fees and Charges Bylaw Amendments
* Official Community Plan Bylaw and Zone Bylaw Review (Consultation Summary and 2nd Reading of Bylaws, as amended)
* Closure of Johnston Street Bridge - Letters from Inwood Trucking Ltd and Keis Trucking Ltd.
* Letter from District of Wells - Request for Support for Wells Volunteer Fire Brigade

View the full Agenda here

Williams Lake - Committee of the Whole session on Tuesday, November 26th at 6pm in the Rick Hansen Boardroom (Basement - 450 Mart St). On the Agenda:

* 2020-2029 Updated Capital Plan and Early Approvals
* City of Williams Lake Proclamation Policy

View the full Agenda here

School District #27 (Cariboo-Chilcotin) - Regular Board of Education meeting on Tuesday, November 26th at 6:30pm in the SD27 Boardroom (350 2nd Avenue, Williams Lake).  On the Agenda:

* Presentation: Equity Scan
* Reports from Superintendent, Secretary-Treasurer and Board Committees
* 2019/20 Elections of Board Chair/Vice-Chair and Liaison positions for School District #27

View the full Agenda here

Williams Lake Community Forest now accepting Grant applications.

Courtesy of the City of Williams Lake:

The Williams Lake Community Forest’s 2019 Granting Application window is currently open and accepting applications until 4 pm December 2nd, 2019.  

Proponents applying for grants must be living/working in the WLCF “local area” which is defined as the City of Williams Lake, and CRD Electoral Areas D, E, & F.  This area extends North to Marguerite, south to Dog Creek and follows the east side of the Fraser River.  Along Highway 97 the eligible area extends south to include 141 Mile, and Northeast encompassing Bosk Lake, Crooked Lake, Quesnel Lake and Mitchell Lake.  A map is provided on the WLCF website at https://williamslakecommunityforest.com/community-granting/

Applications can come from registered charities, non-profit and/ or community organizations, like Parent Advisory Councils, 4H clubs and community associations.  Funds are targeted towards projects enhancing economic development; recreation & recreational structures including trails, signs & kiosks; culture and the arts projects as they relate to forests and forest values; capital improvements; education & outreach projects for all age groups; and other projects particularly related to forest resource values.  

There is a pre-established set of evaluation criteria provided with the application form, and a budget template available as well.  

The Williams Lake Community Forest dispersed $23,500 in 9 grants last year, as well as 6 $500 bursaries.  Bursaries will be distributed again this year – students should contact their school for application details. 

Please pick up application forms at 177 Yorston Street, or online at www.williamslakecommunityforest.com. 

Solar Energy Open House at McLeese Lake Hall - Jan 15th,2020 from 7-8:30pm

On January 15th, 2020 from 7-8:30pm at the McLeese Lake Community Hall (6178 Forglen Road, McLeese Lake)

An Open House will be held to allow residents' of the McLeese Lake & Soda Creek Valley communities to engage with representatives from Sunfield Energy & the Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations/Rural Development (FLNRORD) in regards to Sunfield Energy and their application to FLNRORD for an 5 year investigative license for a Feasibility Study to see about the possibility of a solar energy farm in the McLeese Lake area, similar to the one recently built by TNG near Hanceville

I will be also in attendance to receive community feedback

Any questions, please comment here or contact me either by email at sforseth@cariboord.ca or by phone at 250-267-6725

Thanks,

SF

Fuel Treatment for 11th Avenue Area...

Courtesy of the City of Williams Lake:

Fuel management treatments and beetle tree removal will be initiated within the Dairy Fields in the vicinity of Midnight Drive, Western Avenue, and 11^th Avenue Lane.  Up to 5.5 hectares will be treated over a period of several weeks commencing as early as December 2^nd, 2019.

The purpose of the fuel management treatments is to minimize the impact of fire in the area, if one were to occur, by reducing the amount of dead timber as well as forest fuels that have built up over many years.  No fuel treatments will completely remove the risk of future fires, however, the intensity of a potential fire will be reduced and the ability to suppress it will be enhanced.  The treatments will selectively remove trees killed by bark beetles, as well as small live and dead conifer trees.  Aspen, cottonwood and birch will be retained.  The remaining forest will be comprised of large and small trees with more room to grow, and we expect this will improve the health of the remaining trees.  We expect that the fuel cut from the area will be transported to timber processing as available or chipped and distributed in place, however, if required due to inaccessible or hazardous conditions some burning may need to take place.

Due to the proximity of properties, you may notice that treatment may be conducted up to the edge of your property.  In order to facilitate safe, quick and effective treatment we ask that you please avoid the area where possible, this includes children and pets.  As this area is popular for a variety of recreational activities, the area will be closed to public access during fuel management treatments.  Please respect the workspace of the treatment contractors to ensure both their safety and yours.

Contractors doing the work will be qualified and equipped to carry out the work in a professional and efficient manner.  They will be implementing plans prepared according to professional forestry standards on behalf of the City of Williams Lake.  Supervision of the work will be provided by KDay Forestry Ltd. Funding for this project is provided by Province of British Columbia’s Community Resilience Initiative through the Union of BC Municipalities.

Private landowners are encouraged to implement FireSmart principles on their own property to reduce the risk of fire, and protect their property and families – please visit https://firesmartbc.ca/ for more information. 

For technical or operational questions about the details of the project, contact the Williams Lake Fire Department at 250-392-4321 or Ken Day, RPF @ j.kenneth.day@gmail.com or call 250-267-2474.  Please call if you have any general questions or concerns about this project or forest fuel management in general. 

Erick Peterson, Fire Chief

Williams Lake Volunteer Fire Department

Growing opportunities for true partnerships

Courtesy of the City of Quesnel:

Editor's Note -- Weekly column by Quesnel Mayor Bob Simpson.  He can be reached via email here

When Quesnel City Council decided five years ago to embark on the path toward recognition of and reconciliation with our local First Nations communities we committed to move beyond mere symbolism and find ways to engage in true and meaningful government to government partnerships. From the outset, Council wanted to achieve “true reconciliation:” the formation of new relationships that would be clearly demonstrated in productive and proactive partnerships.

With advice from local First Nations leadership we began our journey with the Lhtako Dene Nation (often referred to as the “Red Bluff Indian Band”). Over a year and a half, we worked on building trust between both Councils, with Lhtako’s elders, and between our respective staffs. This process led to a formal reconciliation agreement between Lhtako Dene and the City of Quesnel, the placement of signs in all our public buildings recognizing Lhtako Dene traditional territory, and the flying of a Lhtako Dene flag at the Visitors Centre’s main flagpole.

Subsequent to formalizing our relationship, the City collaborated with Lhtako Dene in the design of a cultural centre proposed to be built at the confluence of the Fraser and Quesnel Rivers, a place of historic settlement and deep cultural significance for the Lhtako. This proposed cultural centre has been submitted for 100% funding to a grant program and we’re now awaiting a response from the granting agency. If Lhtako is successful in their grant application, Quesnel City Council has committed to restore the ownership of the land the facility will be built upon to the Lhtako.

Along with this specific opportunity to collaborate on a major cultural infrastructure project, the City of Quesnel has engaged in ongoing dialogue with Lhtako on the City’s capital projects and potential economic development opportunities. In particular, our shared desire to obtain a community forest and to develop more trail systems within Lhtako’s reserve and traditional lands that abut the City.

Since signing our formal agreement with Lhtako, Council has formally committed to developing a protocol agreement with the North Cariboo Metis Association, begun work with ?Esdilagh First Nation (Alexandria Band) to create a more appropriate commemorative venue on the Fraser River at the location where the hanged Tsilhqot’in Chiefs are believed to be buried, and engaged in dialogue with the Southern Dakelh Nation Alliance toward realizing community and economic development opportunities together.

Our opportunities to collaborate and continue to develop true partnerships with local First Nations took a giant leap forward last week with the announcement of an allocation of significant timber volume for First Nations and community forest licenses. This is welcome news for our communities and represents a courageous and forward-looking decision by the Minister of Forests, his staff, and the government he represents.

The City of Quesnel has been attempting to obtain a community forest since the mid-1990s without success. However, the City’s decades long desire to be more connected to the land base surrounding the community and to derive economic and social benefits from that land base pales in comparison to the obligation the Provincial Government has to find meaningful ways to restore the millennia long relationship that First Nations have with the land they lived on and never ceded.

The announcement last week that timber volumes have been allocated for First Nations and community forest licenses is a welcome first step in a process that will enable the City of Quesnel, the Cariboo Regional District, the Southern Dakelh Nation Alliance and its member nations, and ?Esdilagh First Nation to work together to achieve community development objectives, protect our communities from the threat of future wildfires, and learn to sustainably manage our surrounding land base together with our industry partners.

On behalf of Quesnel City Council, I want to thank the Provincial Government for their leadership and their commitment to enable us to realize a resilient future for all our communities.

City of Quesnel - Budget 2020 Survey!

Courtesy of the City of Quesnel:

The City of Quesnel is currently preparing its operating and capital budgets as well as its five-year Financial Plan.

We want to hear your priorities for the City of Quesnel 2020 budget! Budgets are a balancing act. The City must provide quality services and maintain aging infrastructure with limited tax dollars. 

Each year, the City develops a detailed budget to determine how tax dollars are to be spent and looks for input from its citizens on developing priorities.

Learn about the City budget process here: www.quesnel.ca/budget

Paper copies of the survey are available at City Hall, 410 Kinchant Street or www.quesnel.ca/budget.

The survey is open until Tuesday, December 10, 2019.

Ensure you read the introductory material provided in the survey so you can make informed choices.

To take the survey, click here