Quesnel Council Highlights - March 19th, 2024 mtg

Courtesy of the City of Quesnel:

Editor's Note -- in regards to the item from Lhtako Dene First Nation -- you can read about the Council discussion here.  The letter from Lhtako Dene First Nation will be discussed at the Cariboo Regional District Board meeting on Friday where I currently expect that the "Statement on Reconciliation" of November 3rd, 2021 will be re-affirmed by the current Cariboo Regional District Board - this statement can be viewed here 

Development Services

• Council directed staff to proceed in drafting the application and Tax Exemption Certificate for proposed City of Quesnel Hotel Revitalization Tax Exemption Bylaw No. 1959, 2024 and, to individually notify all commercial accommodation providers in Quesnel.
• Council heard an update on the schedule for legislated amendments to the zoning bylaw to allow for Small-Scale multi-unit housing.

Grant(s)

• Council approved application to the Union of BC Municipalities Disaster Risk Reduction – Climate Adaptation fund for planning, maintenance and upgrades to the Dragon Lake Dam, up to $150,000.

Correspondence

Council approved the following:

• Quesnel Downtown Association - A letter of support to the for their WorkBC Community & Employer Partnership program, to fund an additional staff member to help with events and administration.
• BC Association of Famers' Markets - A letter to the Ministry of Health in support of expanding funding for the BC Farmers' Market Nutrition Coupon program, which benefits lower income families in Quesnel accessing local fresh foods.
• Lhtako Dene Nation - Three resolutions affirming Quesnel Council's dedication to Indigenous relations & partnership, commitment to listen and learn and, condemnation of a book that has been distributed locally, which refutes the cultural genocide and abuse endured at Residential schools nation wide.

Reaffirmation of Memorandum of Understanding

Council reaffirms the terms set out in the City of Quesnel and Lhtako Dene Memorandum of Understanding of June 20, 2017:

WHEREAS:

A. Lhtako and the City have a common interest in cooperative intergovernmental relations.

B. Lhtako and the City have engaged in meaningful dialogue with a view towards seeking partnership opportunities based on mutual respect, recognition, and reconciliation.

C. Lhtako and the City recognize that working together pursuant to a cooperative government-to-government relationship will facilitate the sharing of information, improve communications and establish substantial and worthwhile projects and procedures to promote cooperative relationship building.

NOW THEREFORE,

The Parties have entered into this Memorandum of Understanding dated June 20, 2017 (the “MOU”), to attest to their mutual commitment to promote cooperative relationship building.

PRINCIPLES

The Lhtako and the City will recognize the following principles in dealing with each other:

• That the Lhtako have occupied their traditional territory for millennia and continue to do so;
• Mutual respect for each Party’s respective areas of jurisdictions;
• Mutual respect for each Party’s mandates and policies and that this Memorandum does not fetter the individual mandates and policies of the Parties;
• Cooperation in the exchange, development and distribution of information that is relevant to the establishment and consolidation of the relationship between Parties;
• Collaborative actions in the development and implementation of meaningful projects of mutual interest; and
• Acknowledgement that good relations between neighbours are required for all citizens to benefit.

GENERAL OBJECTIVES

The Lhtako and the City have the following mutual objectives:

• Promote understanding of functions, responsibilities and interests of both Parties, both locally and in a province wide context, including participation in each other’s events where possible;
• Provide opportunities for relationship building between Parties, such as through regular scheduled meetings, which allow dialogue between community leaders on areas of common interest. This may include economic development, natural resource management, efficient and affordable service delivery and cooperative land use planning where possible; and
• Encourage and promote effective methods of dispute resolution between the Parties.

TERM AND TERMINATION

The Parties acknowledge and agree that this MOU will take effect upon the adoption of authorizing resolutions by the Council of the City and the Council of the Lhtako and will remain in effect unless terminated by either Party on at least thirty (30) days prior written notice to the other Party.

Commitment to Listen & Learn

Council directed Staff to work with Lhtako Dene to coordinate a Council-to-Council gathering to invite local Elders to share their Residential School experiences, to give Council a better understanding of the historical abuse of Indigenous children at Residential Schools and the long term trauma for generations.

Condemn Denialism of Residential School Cultural Genocide, Cruelty and Abuse

The City of Quesnel stands with Lhtako Dene and all Indigenous Nations denouncing denial of the cultural genocide and abuse experienced by Indigenous children and their families due to Residential Schools; and the City of Quesnel agrees with the findings of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

PLEASE NOTE:  We have removed mention in Council's resolution to the book that has been distributed in Quesnel, so as not to give it merit or attention. 

Bylaws

• Bylaw 1953 - City of Quesnel Housing Incentive Tax Exemption Bylaw 1953, 2024 - Rescind Second Reading, Second & Third Readings as amended
• Bylaw 1955 - City of Quesnel West Quesnel Business Improvement Area Bylaw 1955, 2024 - Final Adoption