Attracting Entrepreneurs to Quesnel
Through an Executive Committee recommendation, Council approved the City of Quesnel's continued participation in the Province of British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program Entrepreneur Immigration Regional Pilot, which focuses on attracting entrepreneurs from around the world to establish businesses in regional communities. This will help meet the communities’ economic development needs and encourage investments outside urban areas
Five Year Financial Plan and Tax Rates
Council gave the first three readings to the City’s Five Year Financial Plan Bylaw for 2021 – 2025 and the 2021 Tax Rates Bylaw. The financial plan is built on Council initiatives and feedback from the public. The average residence in Quesnel (valued at $229,367) will see an increase of $33.53 in the municipal tax portion of their property tax invoice or $14.62 per $100,000 of assessment. A commercial business will see an increase of $52.50 per $100,000 of assessment.
The due date for property taxes will return to normal this year with taxes due on July 2nd, 2021. A major change for this year is that the City will no longer be collecting information for Home Owner Grants. All Home Owner grants will need to be applied for through the Province. The City’s tax notice, tax flyer and website will all have the website information and contact information for the Province for people to be able to apply for their home owner grant.
Quesnel Visitor Information Centre
Council approved a 3-year renewal of the Contribution Agreement with the Cariboo Regional District for the operation of the Quesnel Visitor Centre.
Additional Road Repairs for 2021
Council approved additional road repair patches for 2021, at a total of $200,000 to be funded out of the Capital Reinvestment fund for portions of Abbott Drive, Flamingo/Perry Street, Wilkinson Avenue and Tingley Drive and Twan Avenue.
Overdose Alert System for Bridges Supportive Housing
Council approved providing $25,000 to the Quesnel Shelter and Support Society from funding set aside for vulnerable persons, under the COVID-19 Safe Restart Grant. The funds will be used for research development of a health-monitoring device to detect drug overdose at Bridges Supportive Housing.
Strategic Planning
The City of Quesnel and the Quesnel RCMP Detachment are actively working on Strategic Priorities for our community.
- City of Quesnel - as part of a 2020 fall review, Council identified key priorities that have been added to the 2021-2023 Strategic Plan. Council approved the Plan as presented and, it will comprise a portion of the Annual Report, set to come forward in June, 2021.
- RCMP Quesnel Detachment - The RCMP have identified quality of investigations and supervision, public safety, workplace culture, accountability and governance, as key areas of focus for their 2021-2022 plan.
Strategic Communications
The Strategic Communications project approved by Council is kicking off this week. The aim of this initiative is to develop ongoing engagement with the community on City initiatives and provide a forum for two-way dialogue online and in person.
Grant update:
Council approved City staff to submit the following grant application:
- Union of B.C. Municipalities Grant - Local Government Development Approvals Program to review and improve the City's development application process.
Quesnel Age-Friendly Community
In early March, Quesnel was recognized as an Age-Friendly Community by the province of British Columbia, that designation has now been endorsed by the Public Health Agency of Canada and we have been pre-approved to join the WHO Global Network for Age-Friendly Cities and Communities. An Age-Friendly community helps seniors remain healthy and active, preserving social and mental wellness, independence and quality of life.
Bylaws
- Bylaw 1906 - City of Quesnel Financial Plan - First, Second and Third Readings
- Bylaw 1907 - City of Quesnel Tax Rates - First, Second and Third Readings
- Bylaw 1902 - City of Quesnel Fire Protection, Prevention and Emergency Services - Final Adoption
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