Delegation - BC Transit
- BC Transit Partnership Model and Cost Sharing
- Quesnel Transit System and performance
- Replacement of medium duty fleet vehicles due to maintenance issues.
A fare review is currently underway and a service review will be conducted between July - August 2026, with finalized service recommendations coming forward April - July 2027.
Farewell to Local Government Intern Denae Meise
Mayor Paull spoke on behalf of Council and staff, thanking Local Government Intern, Denae Meise, for her time with the City of Quesnel and sharing some of her key accomplishments.
The internship started in May 2025, partially funded through Northern Development Initiative Trust. The program gives post-secondary graduates an immersive experience in local government.
2026 Operating Budget
Council approved the Operating Budget for 2026 of $22,128,153, including the adjustment for major industry and directed staff to continue building the Five Year Financial Plan based on this budget.
510 people participated in this year's budget survey versus 190 in 2025.
- Public Safety, homelessness, drugs
- Roads, snow, bridges & core infrastructure
- Cut back on flowers & non-essential beautification
- Management, wages & staff efficiency
- Permits, development, housing and taxes
- Fleet/equipment & operational productivity
Council recognized the challenges facing the city’s industrial sector when giving direction for the budget this year and administration found reductions to bring the tax increase down to 2.5%. An additional adjustment was made for major industry only, bringing the total tax increase down to 1%.
The municipal tax increase for 2026 is estimated at:
- $34.04 for the average residential house ($9.20 per $100,000)
- $40.00 per $100,000 for commercial/light industry assessment
Final rates will be determined when revised assessments are received in late March.
(Note this is just the municipal portion. The City receives the tax rates for the other taxing authorities in April)
Development Services
Council approved a Development Variance permit at 577 Willis Street to vary an interior side yard setback of 1.31m from the interior lot line to accommodate a completed deck and stairs.
Council support for local initiatives
Council approved support for the following:
- Quesnel Ski Touring Club's grant applications to Quesnel Community Futures for two biathlon rifles and to Northern Development Initiative Trust for funding to renovate the Hallis Lake lodge water system.
- BC Association of Farmer's Market's - A letter to Minister of Health, Josie Osborne, requesting continued and expanded funding for the 2026 BC Farmers' Market Nutrition Coupon program at the Quesnel Farmers' Market, to improve access to local, fresh food for low-income households in our area.
- Quesnel Arts Society's application to Northern Development Initiative Trust Fabulous Festivals and Events program for funding to host the Quesnel Children's Festival on May 30, 2026.
Bylaws
- Bylaw 1983 - City of Quesnel Multi-Unit Housing Incentive Amendment Bylaw No. 1983, 2026 - First Reading
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