Sprout Kitchen Presentation
Kathleen Daly, Food Hub Manager, and Lynda Atkinson, Board Chair, shared an update with Council on the past, present, and future of Sprout Kitchen. Before the building fire in May 2025, Sprout Kitchen was experiencing steady growth, with eight regular members and two new members supported through its subscription‑based membership and additional services.
Since the fire, members have been displaced but continue to receive support from the Board of Directors and management through relocation efforts. The Sprout Kitchen Society also discussed a potential extension of its current operating agreement, matching the length of time operations have been suspended due to the fire. Looking ahead, plans for the rebuilt facility include growing membership, securing corporate sponsorships, expanding the delivery service, and offering rentable storage space.
Prince George to North Vancouver Railway Presentation
Peter Scholz of Cairnstone Planning Inc. provided Council with an update on the potential discontinuation and removal of a more than 200‑mile segment of the former BC Rail line, stretching from Squamish to 100 Mile House. He is currently engaging with local communities and senior levels of government to highlight the strategic and economic importance of the railway corridor.
Mayor Paull will attend the 2026 Council of Forest Industries (COFI) Convention, taking place April 8–10 in Vancouver, where he plans to discuss the issue with forestry leaders and government representatives. July 2026 was identified as a key decision point, as CN Rail is expected to determine its plans for the corridor at that time.
Vista Radio Lease Agreement
Council approved entering into a two‑year lease agreement with Vista Radio. Vista Radio has leased office space in City Hall since 2007 and currently occupies approximately 1,876 square feet on the fifth floor of the building. The new agreement includes a 1.5% increase to the base rent, which will remain fixed for both years of the lease term. The agreement meets the requirements of the City Facility and Property Lease Policy which requires commercial leases to be at fair market value.
Mutual Aid Agreement
Council approved a regional fire suppression mutual aid agreement with the City of Williams Lake and the District of 100 Mile House. The agreement strengthens emergency response by allowing communities to support one another when additional resources are needed to protect public safety and critical infrastructure. The Quesnel Fire Department may decline requests if assistance would impact its ability to serve the community.
Sprout Kitchen Food Hub Operating Agreement Extension
Council approved an extension of the Sprout Kitchen Food Hub Operating Agreement with the Sprout Kitchen Society. The extension will match the length of time the Food Hub was unable to operate due to the fire and rebuilding process, up to a maximum of 30 months, helping support Sprout Kitchen as it works toward reopening.
Moonshine Coffee Ltd. Lease Agreement
Council approved a five‑year lease agreement with Moonshine Coffee Ltd. Moonshine Coffee has operated a coffee roasting business and café on the upper floor and balcony of Shiraoi House in LeBourdais Park since 2021. The new agreement is based on a 2.95% increase to the fixed lease rate for the full term. The agreement meets the requirements of the City Facility and Property Lease Policy which requires commercial leases to be at fair market value.
Quesnel Pride Society Parade Route - Request for full road closure
Council approved the Quesnel Pride Society’s request for a full road closure for the Quesnel Pride Parade on June 6, 2026, replacing the rolling parade used in previous years. The parade will begin at City Hall parking lot, travel through downtown, and conclude at LeBourdais Park.
Announcements and Events
- Cariboo Country Bluegrass Jamboree - April 10-12, 2026 - Quesnel Senior’s Centre
- Congratulations to the Quesnel Kangaroos on their season, winning the CIHL banner
- Quesnel Rotary Club
- The 2026 Quesnel Craft Beer Festival, held on March 28, 2026 was a success
- Earth Day – April 18, 2026 – the Quesnel Rotary Club will be partnering with 100 Mile House and Williams Lake to clean portions of Highway 97.
- Annual Johnston / Carson Neighbourhood Garage / Yard Sale – May 2, 2026 – noting that the Johnston Bridge will likely be closed on this date.
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