Quesnel Council Highlights - June 4th mtg

Courtesy of the City of Quesnel:

Delegation - Quesnel Pride Society June is Pride month, June 15 is Pride Day and, the Quesnel Pride Society has been busy preparing. Julia Dillabough, President of the Quesnel Pride Society provided Council an update on the Society's activities and stressed the need for acceptance and inclusion in our community, as 2023 saw increased aggression toward the Pride community both on social media and in public.  The Society has been rebuilding their Board of Directors, planning the 2024 Pride Day events, holding Rainbow Connection events at the Den and, applying for grant funding.  A grant from Trans Care BC, together with local partnerships, will provide much needed counselling services to 2SLGBTQI+ adults and youth in our community. For the Society, a pride crosswalk serves as a symbol of a welcoming community, showing visitors and new residents that Quesnel is a safe community that supports diversity and inclusion. Editor's Note -- more on this item here

Council Committees Council approved the following Financial Sustainability & Audit Committee recommendations: Firehall:  Reallocate $10,000 in the capital budget for installation of exhaust fans to remove moisture from the air as a result of the gear dryer (specialized equipment used to dry firefighting gear) and, remove odors that remain on gear after it has been exposed to structure fire smoke. Quesnel Tillicum Society 50th annual Pow Wow: Increase the annual contribution to the Pow Wow from $300 to $500 for 2024, in recognition of the 50th anniversary and, approve the use of BC Transit buses to shuttle the public to and from Spirit Square to the event at Lhtako Dene.

 

Small Scale Multi-Unit Housing Zoning Amendments Council provided first reading on City of Quesnel Zoning Amendment bylaw 1962, 2024 (Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing) - Municipalities have been directed by the province to make amendments to Zoning Bylaws, to increase densification and improve housing supply, by allowing up to four (4) dwelling units on all lots in restricted zones (formerly single family dwelling), except within the West Quesnel Land Stability area.

Johnston Bridge Utility Upgrade Phase 1  Council directed staff to award the Johnston Bridge Utility Upgrades – Phase 1 to Canadian Western Mechanical Ltd. in the amount of $796,576.02 plus GST with funding coming from water and sewer reserves.   Construction is anticipated to start in June and continue through August, affecting traffic flow through this route.

 

Artwork Donation Council agreed to accept local artist, Bert DeVink's metal moose sculpture donation and, allocated up to $15,000 from Council Initiatives to refurbish the sculpture and install it in front of Arena 2, on Barlow Avenue, subject to no objection from North Cariboo Joint Advisory Committee.

Development Services Council approved the overall site design for Development permit 2024-72 for a proposed three-storey, single detached dwelling at 3956 Quesnel-Hydraulic Road.  The property is located within a hillside hazard area and a geohazard assessment by Westrek Geotechnical Services states that the proposed building site is safe for the use intended subject to specified geotechnical review and drainage plan submissions.

 

QDA Block Party Council approved the Quesnel Downtown Association's request to host a Block Party, closing the 300 block of Reid Street on August 10, 2024 from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Bylaws Bylaw 1959 - City of Quesnel Hotel Tax Revitalization Bylaw 1959, 2024 - Final Adoption Bylaw 1962 - City of Quesnel Small Scale Multi-Unit Housing Amendment Bylaw - First reading Bylaw 1963 - City of Quesnel Official Community Plan Amendment Bylaw 1963, 2024 (120 Nadeau Street) - Final Adoption Bylaw 1964 - City of Quesnel Zoning Amendment Bylaw 1964, 2024 (120 Nadeau Street) - Final Adoption Bylaw 1965 - City of Quesnel Landfill Closure and Post-Closure Obligations Reserve Fund Bylaw No. 1965 of 2024 - Final Adoption

 

Announcements June 6, 2024 from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. - Seniors Advocacy Service celebrates 20 years of serving our community and honours co-founder Ruth Scoullar – Join them for cake and lemonade at their location at West Park Mall. June 15, 2024 at noon - Pride Day - Quesnel Pride parade, marshalling in the City Hall parking lot, proceeding through town and ending at LeBourdais Park for the flag raising and celebration – A burlesque show and dance party to follow in the evening. June 21, 2024 from 9:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. – National Indigenous Peoples' Day – Experience Indigenous history and culture, traditional bannock, drumming, dancing, stories, games, medicines, cultural displays and more at Helen Dixon/Aboriginal Education Centre, 241 Kinchant Street. Barkerville Historic Town and Park is now open for the 2024 season.