Quesnel Council Highlights - Oct 27th mtg

 Courtesy of the City of Quesnel:

Presentation – Royal Canadian Legion Branch #94 (Quesnel) Jim Spencer, President, and Ian Campbell, Service Officer, from the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #94 (Quesnel) presented Mayor Bob Simpson with the first poppy to draw awareness for this year’s fundraising poppy campaign. The Legion will still be carrying out the poppy campaign around the community.

Delegation – Quesnel Investment Corporation – Business Model and Transfer of Tenure (Forest Licence) Representatives from the Quesnel Investment Corporation (“QIC”), Mike Jenks, President, George Paull, Operations Manager, and Walter Fookes, Forestry Superintendent, provided Council with the intended business model of the QIC mill, previously known as C & C Wood Products. In 2019, the Forest Amendment Act (Bill 22), requires forest companies to carry out public consultation with various stakeholders, including Local Governments, when the transferring of a tenure (Forest Licence) is being considered. QIC representatives advised the Non Replaceable Forest Licence #A79982, approximately 577,899 m3, and is intended to be used to keep the mill’s remanufacturing plant operational. QIC intends to liquidate the Westside Logging Ltd. equipment and instead use contract harvesting to feed the remanufacturing plant. QIC is presently in negotiations for the green round logs to be sawed at a local sawmill that will then be used at QIC’s remanufacturing plant. QIC’s intent is for any excess logs to be sold or traded in the local market. Log supply is critical to secure lumber inputs for the mill. Council being satisfied with the business model of the QIC mill, and QIC’s intent of public tenure, passed a resolution supporting the transfer of Non Replaceable Forest Licence #A79982 from C & C Wood Products Ltd. to the QIC that will be attached to QIC’s Bill 22 submission to the Minister of Forests, Lands, Natural Resources and Rural Development. For full details of this delegation’s presentation, please access the Council meeting videos at Quesnel Civicweb.

Grant Applications Council approved City staff to submit the following grant applications: Community Economic Recovery Infrastructure Program Grant Application RV Park and Campground - Construction of phase one of the Quesnel RV Park and Campground of approximately 13 RV/camp sites. Quesnel Bike Park and Rentals - New construction and re-development of the Bike Park behind the Quesnel and District Arts and Recreation Centre, as well as the purchase of a small rental bike fleet for all ages. Childcare BC New Spaces Fund Grant Application New Childcare Facility - Construct a childcare facility with capacity for 57 childcare spaces at 420 Webster Avenue. Northern Development Initiative Trust Grant Applications Explore Quesnel - Add new value to the Explore Cariboo website and enhance the region’s online presence. There would be three unique themed adventures with a paired social media campaign for each theme. Workforce Attraction Video Campaign - Creation of four short videos, each featuring a Quesnel resident in their work environment and enjoying a balanced lifestyle. Target residents from Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Ontario, as per the 2020 Regional Labour Market Study. Building Façade Improvement - To enhance economic development by promoting private sector investment in business façade improvements. RV Park Development - Pleae see above. Quesnel Bike Park and Rentals - Please see above.

Comprehensive Fees Bylaw Update  Council approved the first three readings of the proposed City of Quesnel Comprehensive Fees and Charges Amendment Bylaw 1897 and Fee/Charge Schedules (“Bylaw 1897”). The updated fees and charges are effective January 1, 2021 and are highlighted as follows: Water Utility Fees - 5% increase to utility rates is an extra $10.76 annually per household Sewer Utility Fees - 5% increase to utility rates is an extra $13.00 annually per household Landfill Fees To encourage waste reduction and recycling, the maximum free weight for residents will be lowered to 150 kgs per load. Increased mixed waste to $90 per tonne Increased demolition land clearing waste to $250 per tonne Increased Asbestos to $250 per tonne Added charge for commercial cardboard going through the landfill of $50 per tonne. Residents can continue to drop off cardboard for free at the recycling depot. RCMP Criminal Checks – increase of $5 per check Cemetery Rates – 10% increase for adult plots Airport Fees – 2% increase

Next Council Meeting 6:00 pm - November 3, 2020