Thursday, December 19, 2024

Quesnel Council Highlights - December 17th, 2024

Courtesy of the City of Quesnel:

2025 Capital Budget

Council approved proceeding with the 2025 capital projects; staff will now move forward with building the Five-Year Financial Plan Bylaw based on the 2025 to 2029 capital plan presented. Ongoing discussions will occur regarding significant projects in the next five years such as the potential renovation to the RCMP office, required landfill changes, and other recreational/amenity plans.

The capital budget for 2025 is $15.0 million with the largest project being the Johnston Bridge. Logistics, final project scope and pricing are still being determined for the bridge project. The intention is to proceed with the bridge in 2025 if possible. Approval of the budget allows staff to begin tendering and working on the 2025 capital projects. Changes can still be made to this budget before the bylaw is passed in April/May.

Housing Needs Assessment

New Provincial legislation requires municipalities and regional districts to complete an Interim Housing Needs Report (HNR) by January 1, 2025, using the new standardized HNR Method. The first “regular” Housing Needs Report must then be completed by December 31, 2028, and every five years thereafter. These changes will help local governments and the B.C. government better understand and respond to housing needs in communities throughout B.C. and amend Official Community Plan and Zoning Bylaws by December 2025. ~2024 North Cariboo Interim Housing Needs Assessment

Development Services

Council approved remedial action orders on the following properties, citing them to be in unsafe condition, as per Section 73 of the Community Charter:

Council directed the property owner at 531 Lewis Drive to cease occupying the property in the recreational vehicles, within 120 days.

Grant opportunities

Council approved the following grant applications and expenditures:

Northern Development Initiative Trust:

  • Economic Development Capacity Building;
  • Grant Writing Support ($2500 City contribution); and
  • Local Government Internship Program ($17,500 City contribution).

The Cariboo Regional District Regional Attraction Agriculture and Food Security project ($2,000 City contribution from 2025 Council Initiatives Budget).

Committees

Council approved the Financial Sustainability & Audit Committee's recommendation to increase the two standing School District #28 bursaries from $800 to $1200 per year, to account for the rising costs of post-secondary education.

Bylaws

  • City of Quesnel Comprehensive Fees and Charges Amendment Bylaw 1969, 2024 - Final Adoption

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