Landing Incident at Quesnel Regional Airport

Courtesy of the City of Quesnel:

Update at 4:00pm on August 21, 2026 -- City of Quesnel advises that the Quesnel Regional Airport has now re-opened and normal airport operations have resumed

Original Blog Post: 

Earlier today, Friday August 21, a small aircraft was involved in a landing incident at the Quesnel Regional Airport. 

There were no injuries reported. Emergency responders attended the scene, and the aircraft remains on the runway area while appropriate recovery and assessment activities are underway. 

The runway has been temporarily closed, and Transport Canada has been notified. The City will continue to work with regulatory authorities and the aircraft operator to safely reopen the airport as soon as possible.

We want to thank the community for your support and continued patience as we navigate this situation.

Ron Paull to seek a 2nd term as Mayor of Quesnel

Incumbent Quesnel Mayor Ron Paull has publicly declared his intention to seek a 2nd term.  Reasons mentioned for a 2nd term including being Mayor of Quesnel during the City of Quesnel's centennial (100th) anniversary in 2028 ...

More here

He joins incumbent Mayors in Williams Lake (Surinderpal Rathor) and 100 Mile House (Maureen Pinkney) in seeking their own 2nd terms.  Wells Mayor Ed Coleman will not seek re-election in October of 2026 (after being elected in a Wells Mayoral by-election of February of 2022 and subsequently re-elected by acclamation in October of 2022)  

The 4 District of Wells Councillors; the 6 City of Quesnel Councillors; the 4 District of 100 Mile House Councillors, Cariboo RD Directors for Electoral Areas A,B,C,E,F,G,H,I,J,K,L nor have School Trustees in School Districts #27 (Cariboo-Chilcotin) or School District #28 (Quesnel) have not made public statements (local or social media) on their intentions for the local general elections in October 2026 

Williams Lake Councillors Joan Flaspohler and Jazmyn Lyons have announced on their social media channels that they will not seek re-election in October of 2026 while I have announced my plan to seek a 4th term as the Cariboo Regional District Electoral Area "D" Director 

Former Cariboo RD Area "B" Director from 2011-2014 Heloise Dixon-Warren has announced on social media her full intention to run for the Cariboo RD Area "B" Director position in October of 2026

No other challengers for Mayor, Councillors, Electoral Area Directors or School Trustees in the Cariboo-Chilcotin have made public announcements' (local or social media) in respect of the local general elections in October of 2026

Nomination packages for all locally elected positions (Mayor, Councillor, Electoral Area Director, School Trustee) are expected to be available for pickup in the first half of August 2026 with the formal nomination period being September 1-11, 2026 and General Voting Day for BC Local Governments' being Saturday, October 17, 2026... 

Finally: people can monitor nominations from September 1-11, 2026 in "real-time" through CivicInfo BC's "BC Local Elections" portal at https://localelections.ca/candidates/index_m.html

North Cariboo Joint Advisory Committee Highlights - July 7, 2026 mtg

Present in Quesnel Council Chambers - Chair J. Glassford, Directors B. Bachmeier and J. Glassford; Mayor R. Paull and Councillors L. Roodenburg (Committee Co-Chair), M. Vik, D. McKelvie

Present via MS Teams - Director N. Audet (Area A) and Councillor M. Runge

Meeting video here

Meeting called to order at 5:30pm

The Chair read out the "Indigenous Acknowledgement" statement, as placed on the Committee's Agenda Master Page

Meeting Agenda adopted - click here

Minutes of previous Committee meeting adopted

Business:

1) Capital Budget Amendment – West Fraser Centre Brine Header Repairs

Report of the City of Quesnel Director of Community Services presented to the Committee

Discussion ensued thereon...

Resolved: 

That the North Cariboo Joint Advisory Committee approve an amendment to the 2026 North Cariboo Recreation and Parks capital plan to delete the roof repair project at the Arts and Recreation Centre ($150,000) and replace it with a project to repair and upgrade the brine header line at the West Fraser Centre ($92,000)

And then the Committee adjourned at 5:45pm

City of Quesnel to test Emergency Notification System - May 6, 2026

Courtesy of the City of Quesnel:

Emergency Notification System TEST ALERT

On May 6, 2026, between 11 am and 1 pm, the City of Quesnel will conduct a test of its Emergency Notification System using VoyentAlert!

Only residents who are registered with VoyentAlert! will receive the test notification by phone, text message (SMS), and/or email, based on their personal notification settings. To receive this alert, you must also have a location within city limits saved in your location settings.

This is a great opportunity to register for VoyentAlert! or log in to your account to ensure your contact information is up to date and that all locations you want notifications for have been added.

Log in to review your settings

Learn more and register

​​​​​​​

Quesnel Council Highlights - Feb 17, 2026 mtg

Courtesy of the City of Quesnel:

Delegation - BC Transit

BC Transit Government Relations Manager Iris Brown provided Council an operational overview, which included:

• 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.

Top Themes:

• 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)

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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

Quesnel City Council Highlights - Nov 4th, 2025 mtg

Courtesy of the City of Quesnel:

Commemorative Crosswalk - Thank you, Lhtako!

Lhtako Dene approached the City proposing a veteran commemorative crosswalk and offered to cover the installation and ongoing maintenance costs.  Within a couple of days, a location was chosen, and staff had the painters booked so it would be in place in time for Indigenous Veterans Day and Remembrance Day!  Thank you to the Lhtako Dene Nation for sponsoring the commemorative crosswalk on Kinchant Street.

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Official Community Plan & Zoning bylaws

Council provided first reading to City of Quesnel Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 1979 of 2025 and City of Quesnel Zoning Bylaw No. 1980 of 2025, directed staff to hold a public consultation session to answer community questions on Tuesday, December 2nd, at 4:30 pm in Council Chambers and set the Public Hearing date for the bylaws to follow on Tuesday, December 2nd, at 5:30 pm in Council Chambers.

 

Bylaw Links

• Official Community Plan
• Zoning Bylaw

Committee Meetings

• October 28, 2025 - Airport Advisory Committee
• October 29, 2025 - Governance & Strategy Committee

Grants

• Council ratified the time-sensitive electronic vote for a resolution of support for Quesnel Downtown Association's application to the provincial Rural Economic Diversification and Infrastructure Program (REDIP) for the proposed project, “Random Acts of Shopping”.

Council approved the following Northern Development Initiative Trust grant applications:

• Economic Development Capacity Building - $50,000 to support the salary of the Manager of Economic Development & Tourism.
• Grant Writing Support - $8,000 and $2,500 included in the 2026 operating budget for the Economic Development Coordinator’s salary.
• Business Façade Improvement - $20,000
• Local Government Intern program - up to $55,000 and Council committed to providing sufficient financial and staffing resources to host the intern, provide training and exposure opportunities and include $20,750 in the 2026 and 2027 operating budgets to cover the City’s contribution.

Snow Contractor's Liability Insurance

Council approved service provider agreements with Kelly Kirkham and Kodiak Mechanical for the 2025/2026 winter season.

 

Operations Plan update

The City Manager reported that the operations plan was developed and approved in the spring following the adoption of Council’s new strategic plan. The operations plan documents the annual objectives that Council has directed staff pursue to report on progress for the strategic plan. At this time, administration is on track to complete the operations plan for 2025.

 

Bylaws

• 1978 - City of Quesnel Comprehensive Fees Amendment Bylaw 1978, 2025 - Final Adoption
• 1979 - City of Quesnel Official Community Plan Bylaw 1979, 2025 - First Reading and Set Public Hearing Date for December 2, 2025, at 5:30 pm
• 1980 - City of Quesnel Zoning Bylaw 1980, 2025 - First Reading and Set Public Hearing Date for December 2, 2025, at 5:30 pm

Announcements

The Rotary Club of Quesnel was founded on November 2, 1955 and is celebrating their 70th anniversary this year. Although 70 years is a milestone, they have decided to save the celebration for their 75th anniversary to focus on Dr. John Havens' inspiring 60 years of active service to the club and our community.

The Witness Blanket - After many months of community coordination, the College of New Caledonia (CNC) will host The Witness Blanket, created by artist Carey Newman, that recognizes the experiences of Residential School Survivors and the ongoing journey toward truth and reconciliation. Created from 887 reclaimed and donated objects from residential schools, churches, government buildings, and cultural structures across Canada. The Witness Blanket is a symbol of national reconciliation.

• November 5 – 21, 2025 - On display at the CNC Quesnel Campus
• November 13, 2025, at 10:00 am - Opening event at the Quesnel campus. A collaboration between the Quesnel Tillicum Society and CNC.

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Next regularly scheduled Council meeting:  Tuesday, November 25, 2025

City of Quesnel 2024 Annual Report available for public inspection!

Courtesy of the City of Quesnel:

The City of Quesnel's 2024 Annual Report is now available for public inspection. View in the link below or at Quesnel City Hall, 410 Kinchant Street, Quesnel, BC 

The Annual Report is required under the Community Charter and includes the 2024 Financial Statements, a report on the City’s activities in 2024, and a series of strategic objectives for 2025 and beyond. It must be presented to the public at least two weeks prior to being formally adopted by City Council. Comments may be directed to cityhall@quesnel.ca, or call 250-992-2111 prior to June 24, 2025.

The 2024 Annual Report will be formally presented to Council for final approval on June 24 at 5:30 pm at the regular Council Meeting and can be viewed here

Fire at Nourish Food Bank and Sprout Kitchen

Courtesy of the City of Quesnel:

On the evening of May 5, a fire broke out at 101 Marsh Drive, a City of Quesnel-owned facility that houses Sprout Kitchen and the Nourish Food Bank, operated by the Canadian Mental Health Association of Northern BC. Thanks to the swift and professional response from the Quesnel Fire Department, the fire was contained and extinguished before it could spread further. We are incredibly grateful to the firefighters and emergency personnel who acted quickly to ensure everyone's safety.

We are relieved to report that no one was injured in the incident. The safety of our team and community partners is always our top priority, and we are thankful that everyone is safe.

At this time, we are assessing the damage and working through the next steps. 

We want to thank the community for your support and continued patience as we navigate this difficult time.

Quesnel Future of Forestry Think Tank Helps Accelerate Change in Struggling Forest Sector

Courtesy of the City of Quesnel:

After experiencing back-to-back devastating wildfire seasons in 2017 and 2018 and seeing no plan from the provincial government to address the destructive impacts of the mountain pine beetle on its surrounding forests and timber supply, the City of Quesnel started a process in May 2018 to rethink its regional forest sector and to help create a plan to revitalize both the region’s forest ecosystems and its forest economy.

The ‘Quesnel Future of Forestry Think Tank’ is a community-led process that explores both the challenges and the opportunities in the Quesnel Forest District across three domains: the forest landscape, the local manufacturing sector, and the local and regional workforce. The Quesnel Think Tank investigates three questions:

1) What will it take to restore the regional forest ecosystem to a state of resiliency and adaptability that will stop large-scale pest infestations and wildfires from recurring? 

2) How can the forest manufacturing facilities in the region be re-invented and/or re-purposed to address the decline in sawlog availability and take advantage of the significant increase in non-sawlog commercial forest fibre?

3) What re-training will be required to ensure the local workforce can continue to be employed in good-paying jobs in the City and the surrounding forests?

In partnership with local First Nations, the provincial government, post-secondary institutions, and the local and regional industry, the City has hosted three Think Tank sessions since its inception in 2018. The fourth of these bi-annual events will be held this May 21 and 22 in Quesnel, and the theme of this year’s Think Tank is “Accelerating Change.”

“We’re excited to be able to present real progress on a number of our projects at this year’s Think Tank,” Erin Robinson, the City of Quesnel’s Manager of Forestry Initiatives, said. “Quesnel has one of the most advanced Forest Landscape Planning (FLP) tables in the province and a new community forest license that is held by the four local First Nations and the City of Quesnel. We will also be presenting the engineering and business case analysis for a first-in-kind stand-alone biomass digesting facility that could turn bush waste into the feedstock needed to create petrochemical substitute products. And, we will be outlining a detailed curriculum and training program for innovative harvesting machine operators that will enable BC to more quickly move away from our traditional industrial clearcutting regime.”

The Quesnel Future of Forestry Think Tank is an invitation-only event, but its outcomes are publicly available and have been supported by successive Ministers of Forests as an example of a positive, proactive, and innovative ground-up approach to the significant challenges confronting BC’s forest sector.

For more information, contact:

Erin Robinson, Forest Initiatives Manager, City of Quesnel

erobinson@quesnel.ca

250-255-6002

Quesnel Official Community Plan Open House on May 5, 2025!

Courtesy of the City of Quesnel:

The City of Quesnel is currently reviewing the Official Community Plan (OCP) for the city. The OCP is the statement of objectives and policies that guide planning, land use management, and other development in the city over the next five to 20 years. Because all the bylaws in the City must be consistent with the OCP, this is an important document that will outline the direction for the city into the future.

This work will be combined with efforts to update our Development Process Bylaw to streamline the City's permitting and review processes to make this easier and more accessible for developers, residents, and businesses.

The first step of this process will be a City of Quesnel OCP Kickoff Open House. This event will be held on Monday, May 5, 2025, at Quesnel City Hall Council Chambers (410 Kinchant St) from 4 pm to 8 pm. At this Open House, you can:

* Learn about what the current OCP includes

* Review important information about the community

* Provide input about the principles, goals, and objectives to be included to guide development in the community

Everyone is invited to drop by anytime between 4 pm and 8 pm at the City Hall Council Chambers at 410 Kinchant St. There are no formal sessions planned, but feel free to come in to discuss the OCP and your perspectives on the future of the City.

The results from this outreach will be used to inform the development of the OCP updates, and a second Open House to review these changes will be held in early September.

For more information and future updates, visit: https://letsconnectquesnel.ca/official-community-plan-update.

If you have any additional questions, please contact Tanya Turner at tturner@quesnel.ca.

Quesnel's Financial Sustainability & Audit Committee meets' today

Later today at 9am in the Fraser Room, Quesnel City Hall (4th Floor, 410 Kinchant St) -- Quesnel Council's  Financial Sustainability & Audit Committee will meet

On the Agenda:

* Presentation of the 2024 Audited Financial Statements - City of Quesnel

* Expense Claims from Mayor Paull and CAO J. McKay 

View the full Meeting Agenda here

Quesnel Mayor Ron Paull wins court case against City of Quesnel

In a matter that goes back to April of 2024 -- Quesnel Mayor Ron Paull has received a win, via the BC Supreme Court, in which a number of resolutions passed by Quesnel Council back in late April of 2024 were quashed, due to procedural fairness requirements not being met

The full court ruling of Paull v. Quesnel (City) can be reviewed here.  A number of court precedents were quoted including from Barnett v. Cariboo Regional District, R v. Skakun and Dupont v. Port Coquitlam (City)

For his part, Quesnel Mayor Ron Paull says that he is happy with the Court's ruling in this matter.  More from My Cariboo Now here

At this stage -- the City of Quesnel has not issued a formal statement on this matter but it would be able to appeal the decision, if so determined by Quesnel City Council.  Council would have 30 days from the date of ruling to do so -- which would have to occur no later than April 3rd, 2025.... 

Cariboo-Chilcotin Local Government Meetings - Week of March 3-7, 2025

During the week of March 3-7, 2025 -- the following Cariboo-Chilcotin Local Governments' will be holding meetings, as follows:

Wells - Regular Council Meeting on Tuesday, March 4th in Wells Council Chambers (4243 Sanders Avenue) or via Zoom, as follows:

1) Closed Council Meeting from 2-3pm and 4:45pm to 5:30pm - As per Sections 92 + 90(1a + l - appointment and strategic planning) of the Community Charter.  View the Closed Meeting Notice here 

2) Open Council Meeting from 3:15pm to 4:30pm.  On the Agenda:

* Donna Williams—Hydroponics

* Update on Strategic Priorities Projects

* Verbal Updates from Wells Mayor/CAO

View the full Meeting Agenda here

Quesnel - Regular Council Meeting on Tuesday, March 4th at 5:30pm in Quesnel Council Chambers (4th Floor, 410 Kinchant St).  On the Agenda:

* Presentation: 2025 City of Quesnel Budget

* Delegation: 2025 Active Transportation Plan Update

* Report from Chair, Finance Committee

* 340 Dawson Street Remedial Action – Request for reconsideration

* Development Permit #2025-80 at 1382 Paley Avenue 

* Active Transportation Plan Update

* 2025 Operating Budget

* Nazko First Nation - Requests for Quesnel Council

View the full Agenda here

Williams Lake - Regular Council Meeting on Tuesday, March 4th at 6pm in WL Council Chambers (450 Mart St).  On the Agenda:

* Delegation: Melissa LaPointe, Cariboo Chilcotin Healthcare Landing Coordinator re Program Summary, Overview & Outcomes

* Bylaws (for 3 Readings) -- 2025-2029 Financial Plan Bylaw No. 2422, 2025; DCC Expenditure Bylaw No. 2424, 2025 - Water Treatment Plant

* Early Long Term Debt Redemption Opportunity (WL Fire Hall) 

* Recommendations from previous Committee of Whole Council meeting for endorsement

* Standing Updates -- Water Treatment Plant + Atlantic Power

View the full Meeting Agenda here

Cariboo Regional District - 

1) Policy Committee meeting on Thursday, March 6th, 2025 at 10:00am in the Cariboo RD Williams Lake Boardroom (180D North 3rd Avenue, Williams Lake).  On the Agenda:

* Elect Vice-Chair for 2025

* Rescind Corporate Priorities Policy

* Asset Management Policy (DRAFT) 

View the full Meeting Agenda here

2) Utilities Committee meeting on Thursday, March 6th, 2025 at 1:00pm in the Cariboo RD Williams Lake Boardroom (180D North 3rd Avenue, Williams Lake).  On the Agenda:

* Annual Reports for Cariboo RD Water Systems

* Discussion Items -- Service Levels/Asset Management

View the full Meeting Agenda here 

Quesnel launches Budget 2025 Survey

Courtesy of the City of Quesnel:

The City of Quesnel is currently preparing the 2025 budget.

We want to hear your priorities for the City of Quesnel 2025 budget! Budgets are a balancing act. The City must provide quality services and maintain aging infrastructure with limited tax dollars. Each year, the City develops a detailed budget to determine how tax dollars are to be spent and looks for input from its citizens on developing priorities.

The survey is open until January 30, 2025.

Survey -- https://letsconnectquesnel.ca/budget-2025

Print versions are available at Quesnel City Hall, 410 Kinchant St.

2025 Property Assessments: Cariboo-Chilcotin Region

Starting today and into next week – British Columbia property owners will receive their 2025 Property 

Assessments in the mail from the BC Assessment Authority, an independent provincial crown agency whose sole task is to evaluate the value of property in British Columbia for the purposes of taxation for local governments’ across BC as well as for the Provincial Government  

 

You can now look up your property assessment online on the BC Assessment Authority’s website at 

https://www.bcassessment.ca/  

 

Background from North-Central BC -- https://info.bcassessment.ca/news/Pages/North-Central-BC-2025-

Property-Assessments-Announced.aspx

 

For municipalities in our Cariboo-Chilcotin Region (residential properties/typically assessed values) 

 

100 Mile House – up 4%

Williams Lake – up 10% 

Quesnel – up 3%

Wells – up 10%

Some quick links from BC Assessment:  

 

1) Understanding the Property Assessment Process -- https://info.bcassessment.ca/Services-

products/Understanding-the-assessment-process  

 

2) Property Assessment/Local Property Taxation -- https://info.bcassessment.ca/Services-products/your-

assessment-notice  

 

3) Appealing your Property Assessment (deadline to file an appeal is January 31st, 2025) -- 

https://info.bcassessment.ca/Services-products/appeals  

 

As referenced above, local governments in BC use the Property Assessment information in order to decide local taxes for the year.  

 

Currently – all Cariboo-Chilcotin local governments are in the middle of determining 2025 Budgets. 

Information on their budget process and public input:  

 

1) District of Wells -- https://www.wells.ca/  

 

2) City of Quesnel -- https://www.quesnel.ca/municipal-services/taxes-utilities/property-taxes  

 

3) City of Williams Lake -- https://www.williamslake.ca/255/Developing-2025-Budget

 

4) District of 100 Mile House -- http://100milehouse.com/district-services/property-taxes-assessment  

 

5) Cariboo Regional District -- https://www.cariboord.ca/en/regional-government/budget-and-business-

plans.aspx  

 

District of Wells, City of Quesnel, City of Williams Lake and the District of 100 Mile House mails property tax notices to property owners directly while those in rural, unincorporated communities within the Cariboo Regional District receive their property tax notices from the Provincial Government directly (Provincial Surveyor of Taxes)  

 

For those in rural areas – the Provincial Government has a website for rural property taxation at 

https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/taxes/property-taxes/annual-property-tax/rural-area  

 

If you wish to apply to defer your property taxes – go to

https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/taxes/property-

taxes/annual-property-tax/property-tax-deferment-program

I STRONGLY recommend you have discussions with BC Assessment if you don't agree with your 2025 

Property Assessment Notice as soon as practical as the deadline to file an appeal is January 31st, 2025. 

Their phone number is 1-866-825-8322. You can look up your own property assessment details online (you 

will need the exact property address or PID (Property IDentifier) Number on your Property Assessment 

Notice) at http://www.bcassessment.ca while you can research the trends for your own property in the last 

number of years by registering for a BC Assessment Authority account at 

https://auth.bcassessment.ca/register/  

 

I will, as I do annually, be monitoring property assessments in my own Electoral Area as well as seeing how 

this impacts on the Cariboo Regional District’s 2025 Budget as well as the setting of Rural Property Taxation 

from the Province (Rural Tax, Rural Police Tax and School Tax) -- that is set by BC Cabinet Order usually in 

late April to early May and then seeing what the final result is -- by end of April 2025.  

 

Finally – City of Coquitlam Mayor Richard Stewart writes to his constituents about the relationship between 

Property Assessment and Annual Property Taxation. Although it is written with the 161 BC Municipalities in 

mind (including the District of Wells, the City of Quesnel, the City of Williams Lake and the District of 100 

Mile House), the principles he outlines are equally applicable to the 27 Regional Districts’ in BC. It is a 4-5 

min read but a worthy one – read at 

https://www.facebook.com/mayorstewart/posts/10158755321580686 

and I publicly thank him for allowing me to share this information with you

Joel McKay is the new City Manager - City of Quesnel

Courtesy of the City of Quesnel:

The City of Quesnel is happy to announce that Mayor and Council have appointed Joel McKay as the new City Manager. McKay has served as the Chief Executive Officer for the past eight years at Northern Development Initiative Trust and is scheduled to start his position as City Manager in January 2025.

The City of Quesnel began the process of recruiting a new City Manager upon the resignation of Byron Johnson, who accepted a position with the District of Clearwater.

“Joel brings a wealth of connected knowledge and ambition to the City of Quesnel, and on behalf of Council, I am pleased to welcome him to his new role,” said Quesnel Mayor Ron Paull. “His drive and ambition will be a great asset to the community, and we look forward to working with him on projects and initiatives to help further develop our beautiful city.”

“I would like to express my gratitude and excitement as I enter this new role,” said Joel McKay. “It has been a privilege to have had the opportunity to serve as Chief Executive Officer at Northern Development Initiative Trust, and I look forward to utilizing the skillsets that I have developed there to fulfill the role of City Manager for the City of Quesnel. Mayor and Council have provided me with this incredible opportunity to be a part of this exceptional team and community and I look forward to the work ahead of us all.”

Deputy City Manager Kari Bolton will continue to fulfill the role during this transition until Joel McKay starts with the City on January 2, 2025.

Cariboo-Chilcotin Local Government Meetings' - Week of September 23-27, 2024

Following the 2024 UBCM/Union of BC Municipalities Convention -- the following local governments' or Boards' of Education of the Cariboo-Chilcotin will be holding meetings during the week of September 23-27, 2024 , as follows:

Wells - Regular Council Meeting on Tuesday, September 24th, 2024 at 7pm in Wells Council Chambers (4243 Sanders Avenue) and via Zoom.  When available, the Agenda can be accessed here

Quesnel - Regular Council Meeting on Tuesday, September 24th, 2024 at 5:30pm in Quesnel Council Chambers (4th Floor, 410 Kinchant St.) On the Agenda:

* Report of Resolutions from Previous In-Camera Meetings of March 19, 2024 and July 30, 2024 (Sections 90.1c + e - labour/land - of the Community Charter)

* Committee Reports

* UBCM Community Emergency Preparedness Fund: Disaster Risk Reduction – Climate Adaptation – Risk and Resilience Assessment 

* Photomural Project

* Housing Accelerator Fund Application

* DP2024-76 at 196 Tatchell Road – Sensitive Ecosystem Development Permit for crossing of Tatchell Creek to build garage

* Sprout Kitchen Operating Agreement 

* CMHA Lease

* 2025 Council Meeting Schedule

View the full Meeting Agenda here

School District #27 (Cariboo-Chilcotin) - Regular Board of Education (1st meeting of 2024-25 School year) on Tuesday, September 24th, 2024 at 6:30pm in the SD27 Boardroom (350 2nd Avenue, Williams Lake).  When available, the Meeting Agenda can be accessed here

Williams Lake - 

1) Special Closed Council Meeting on Tuesday, September 24th, 2024 at 5:30pm in the Rick Hansen Boardroom (Basement - 450 Mart St), as per Sections 92 + 90 (1e - land) of the Community Charter.  View the closed meeting notice here

2) Regular Council Meeting on Tuesday, September 24th, 2024 at 6pm in Williams Lake Council Chambers (450 Mart St).  On the Agenda:

* Land Disposition - McKinnon Road Lot

* UBCM Grant Application - Asset Management Project

* Free Transit Service for Provincial General Election Day - Saturday, October 19, 2024

* External Audit Services - Review and Award of Contract

* Banking Services - Review and Award of Contract

* Update on Atlantic Power Co-Gen Plant

* Closed Council Meeting following adjournment of Open Council Meeting - Section 90(1c - labour) of the Community Charter

View the full Meeting Agenda here

100 Mile House  -- Meetings, as noted below, in 100 Mile House Council Chambers (385 Birch Avenue) on Tuesday, September 24th, 2024:

a) Regular Council Meeting at 5:00pm -- on the Agenda:

* Delegation: Melissa Lapointe re: Recruitment/Retention of Healthcare Professionals in South Cariboo

* Report from Accessibility Committee

* Street Closure - Remembrance Day 2024

* Canim Lake Powwow Request 

* Emergency Preparedness Grant Application

View the full Meeting Agenda here

b) 100 Mile Development Corporation at 5:30pm or upon adjournment of Regular Council Meeting.  On the Agenda:

* Rental of Space at Martin Exeter Hall

* Facilities Attendant at Martin Exeter Hall/Lodge

View the full Meeting Agenda here

Cariboo Regional District -- 

a) Emergency Preparedness Committee/Regular Meeting - September 25th, 2024 at 2:00pm in the Cariboo Regional District Williams Lake Boardroom (180D North 3rd Avenue, Williams Lake).  On the Agenda:

Information Items -- Emergency Operations Centre Activities, May 2024 – September 2024; EOC Communications for 2024 Wildfires & Chilcotin River Landslide; 2023 UBCM CRI FireSmart Funding & Supports Project Update

Action Items -- 2024 Community Resiliency Investment Program - FireSmart Community Funding and Supports Application; Emergency Program Services Strategic Plan; Emergency Notification System Policy

View the full Agenda here

b) Central Cariboo Joint Committee/Regular Meeting - September 25th, 2024 at 5:30pm in the Rick Hansen Boardroom (Basement - 450 Mart St).  On the Agenda:

* Central Cariboo Arts & Culture Society's 'Spring 2024 Arts and Culture Grant Awards Report'

* Capital Project Budget Adjustment - CMRC Rink I Arena Sound System

* Central Cariboo Joint Committee Terms of Reference Amendment - New Joint Grant Applications Review Process

* Discussion Items -- Central Cariboo Recreation and Leisure & Central Cariboo Arts/Culture Budget Development for 2025; Invitation to BC Transit to appear before Joint Committee 

View the full Meeting Agenda here

c) Cariboo-Chilcotin Regional Hospital District (CCRHD)/Regular Board Meeting - September 26th, 2024 at 9:30am in the Cariboo Regional District Williams Lake Boardroom (180D North 3rd Avenue, Williams Lake).  On the Agenda:

* Information Items -- Northern Health Community News - August and September 2024; CCRHD Delegations - Memorandum of Business

View the full Meeting Agenda here

d) Cariboo Regional District/Regular Board Meeting - September 26th, 2024 following adjournment of the CCRHD Board Meeting in the Cariboo Regional District Williams Lake Boardroom (180D North 3rd Avenue, Williams Lake).  On the Agenda:

2 Delegations -- Lauren Bedford, Regional Agriculture Business Liaison - Community Futures Cariboo Chilcotin and Laurie Walters and Larry Stranberg from Community Futures Cariboo Chilcotin (PASS Program) 

* Land Use Matters

* Year-Round Grant for Assistance Application – Tatla Lake Ski Club (Area "J")

* Draft 2025 Cariboo Regional District Board Schedule

* Tsq’escen (Canim Lake Band) 2nd Annual Strength Through Our Ancestors Pow-Wow Invitation and Donor Request

* Committee Recommendations

* Wildwood Fire Protection Service Area Amendment Bylaw No. 5491, 2024 (For 3 Readings and Extension of Fire Protection to Bull Mountain, north of Wildwood)

* Requests from Director Forseth (Area D) re: Invite “E” Division, BC RCMP as Future Delegation at Committee of the Whole meeting; Refer Land Acknowledgement for meetings to Policy Committee for review; Refer FireSmart Pilot Program for Regional District Cooperative Community Wildfire Response Organizations to Staff for review/report back to Board

* Request from Director Neufeld (Area E) -- Authorization for Area E Director Initiative Funds to attend 2025 BC Natural Resources Forum

* Closed Board Session -- Sections 92 + 90(1a,c,e - appointment, labour and land) of the Community Charter

View the full Meeting Agenda here

Cariboo-Chilcotin Local Governments' receive funding to improve Climate Resiliency

Courtesy of the Government of BC:

Editor's Note --The District of 100 Mile House to receive $97,289 for Bridge Creek drought assessment; City of Williams Lake to receive $1.2 million for Fairview Drive emergency booster station and Hazard and vulnerability risk assessment for WL River Valley area; City of Quesnel to receive $84,500 for Dragon Lake Dam planning and District of Wells received $5.3 million for Disaster risk reduction planning as well as Lowhee Creek water management project in partnership with Lhtako Dene Nation

To better protect people and improve community defences against climate change, the Province is providing funding to communities across British Columbia for disaster risk resilience and climate-adaptation projects.

“Climate change is no longer a future concern, it’s happening now and we’re seeing its impact all over British Columbia,” said the Hon. Bowinn Ma, BC's Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness. “Through disaster mitigation funding, our government is committed to helping communities become more resilient by empowering local governments to adapt to the changing climate and better protect themselves and their residents against future climate challenges.”

Sixty-five communities will receive approximately $56 million for 78 projects from the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund (CEPF) through the Disaster Risk Reduction – Climate Adaptation stream. This funding will help communities tackle current vulnerabilities, minimize the risk of future disasters and support communities to make informed decisions.

Funding includes approximately $1.2 million through the program’s October 2023 intake to tackle drought conditions in the Sunshine Coast Regional District by supporting the shíshálh Nation’s Lower Crown Reservoir project. The reservoir will capture water from Chapman Creek to improve access to water and increase water security for people living in the region.  

“We want to thank the Province for their support and funding to move the water security project for the Sunshine Coast along,” said Chief Lenora Joe, shíshálh Nation. “By working with our partners at the Sunshine Coast Regional District, we know we can make transformative change creating a better future for all residents. It is only through unifying our communities and working with partners like B.C., that we can tackle climate change and other significant challenges of our time.”

Other projects include:

creating a green corridor by installing rain gardens, planting trees and native plants around Tillicum Elementary school in Saanich to reduce heat, help mitigate flooding and cut carbon emissions for the entire Tillicum community;

designing disaster-risk and policy-assessment models in Gibsons to inform planning and policy around risks from climate-related issues such as flooding, erosion and salt-water intrusion to lessen future emergency costs and adapt to climate change;

protecting essential wastewater infrastructure in the northern Village of Lumby by reinforcing riverbanks near the treatment lagoons to improve the longevity of flood mitigation and better serve the local area; and

preventing soil erosion and protecting riverbanks in Vanderhoof by planting willow saplings along the Nechako River and Stoney Creek to reduce damage downstream, preserve nearby communities and protect the eco-sensitive area to safeguard water systems from climate-related threats.

The Province has invested $369 million into the CEPF since it was established in 2017. Approximately $279 million has been provided to local governments and First Nations through the CEPF for approximately 2,100 projects. This includes approximately $176 million to support disaster-mitigation and climate-adaptation projects.

The CEPF supports local governments and First Nations to better prepare for disasters and reduce risks from natural hazards in a changing climate in several categories. In addition to disaster-risk reduction and climate adaptation, other categories include:

volunteer and composite fire department equipment and training;

emergency operations centre equipment and training;

public notification and evacuation-route planning;

Indigenous cultural safety and cultural-humility training; and

emergency support-services equipment and training.

The CEPF is administered by the Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM) on behalf of the Province.

Learn More:

For information about the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund, visit: https://www.ubcm.ca/cepf

For information about disaster and climate-risk reduction, visit ClimateReadyBC: https://www.ClimateReadyBC.ca

To learn about the Climate Preparedness and Adaptation Strategy, visit: http://www.gov.bc.ca/BC-Adapts

Cariboo-Chilcotin Local Government Meetings - Week of September 2-6, 2024

During the week of September 2-6, 2024 -- the following local governments' of the Cariboo-Chilcotin will be holding meetings, as follows:

Quesnel: Policy/Bylaw Committee/Regular Meeting on Thursday, September 5th, 2024 at 3:15pm in the Fraser Room, Quesnel City Hall (4th Floor, 410 Kinchant St).  On the Agenda:

* Donation Policy

* Policy review work-plan: Discussion

*Annual Meeting Schedule: 2024-2025

View the full Agenda here

Williams Lake - Committee of the Whole Session on Tuesday, September 3rd at 6pm in the Rick Hansen Boardroom (Basement - 450 Mart St).  On the Agenda:

* Discussion on City of Williams Lake 2025 Financial Plan and Direction to Staff 

View the full Agenda here

Cariboo Chilcotin Regional Hospital District/Cariboo Regional District -- all meetings to take place at the Creekside Seniors' Centre (501 Cedar Avenue, 100 Mile House)

1) Committee of the Whole Session - Regular Meeting on Thursday, September 5th at 9:30am.  On the Agenda:

* Discussion Items -- Review of the Cariboo RD's Community Works Fund Policy; Continuing  Discussion on consideration of establishing a Regional Parks/Trails Service, State of Regional District's Water/Sewer Utilities

* Tour of 108 Mile Water Treatment Plant

View the full Agenda here

2) Cariboo-Chilcotin Regional Hospital District (CCRHD) Board meeting on Friday, September 6th at 9:30am.  On the Agenda:

* Capital Expenditures Bylaws for 3 Readings/Adoption -- GR Baker IT Network Replacement; Data Storage Device Replacement

* From City of Williams Lake -- Request for Letter of Support for Independent Review of Cariboo Memorial Hospital Operations

* Closed (In-Camera) Board Session -- Section 90(1k - negotiations) of the Community Charter

View the full Agenda here

3) Cariboo Regional District Board meeting on Friday, September 6th - following either recess or adjournment of the CCRHD Board.  On the Agenda: 

* Land Use Matters (Area Directors' Only)

* Proposed Aircraft Hangar Occupancy Licence at the South Cariboo Regional Airport

* Kersley Recreation Complex -- Proposed Facility Management and Operations Agreement and Proposed BC Hydro Right-of-Way

* Orange Shirt Society request for donation

* Delegation of Speakers to CRD Resolutions at 2024 UBCM Convention

* Consent Calendar

* Forest Grove Legion Property Tax Exemption Bylaw No. 5493, 2024 (for 3 Readings and Adoption)

* Lac La Hache Sewer Boundary Expansion Bylaw No. 5485, 2024

View the full Agenda here

Future Cariboo-Chilcotin Local Government or Board of Education Meetings:

Wells - September 10th, 2024 (Regular Council) 

Quesnel - September 11th, 2024 (Financial Sustainability/Audit Committee)

Williams Lake - September 10th, 2024 (Regular Council)

100 Mile House - September 10th, 2024 (Regular Council) 

School District #27 - September 10/11, 2024 (Board Committee Meetings)

School District #28 - September 18, 2024 (Board of Education Meeting - 1st of 2024/25 School Year) 

New low mobility trails unveiled at Pioneer Park in Quesnel

Joint Release of the City of Quesnel/Cariboo Regional District:

The Cariboo Regional District and the City of Quesnel are proud to announce the opening of its newest low mobility trails in Pioneer Park on Dragon Lake. They have worked with numerous community groups since 2006 to develop the Cariboo-Chilcotin region as a world leader in accessible outdoor recreation and tap into niche tourism markets for people of all abilities. This initiative is also part of the Cariboo Regional District’s ongoing commitment to enhancing accessibility and promoting inclusivity within the region. Along with Pioneer Park, new and upgraded trails are also open at 108 Mile Lake in the south Cariboo and at the Esler Sports Complex near Williams Lake.

The newly constructed trails in Pioneer Park have been gifted names recognizing the Lhtako Dene’s ongoing role as traditional keepers of the land. Trail names such as Uda’ Dene Wheti (Ancestors’ Trail) and Lhtakoh Wheti (Three Rivers Trail) were developed with the input and guidance of Lhtako Dene elders and knowledge keepers.

The trails are designed to accommodate individuals with varying levels of mobility, including those using wheelchairs, walkers, or strollers. These trails feature gentle slopes, smooth surfaces, and strategically placed rest areas to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience for all visitors.

"People in the Cariboo can now enjoy accessible park trails that build community bonds, respect the traditional keepers of the land and encourage environmental stewardship," said Anne Kang, Minister of Municipal Affairs. "These new trails in Pioneer Park improved access for everyone to enjoy Cariboo's beauty. This is an inspiring example of what we can achieve when communities and all orders of government come together to enhance community wellbeing."

“We are thrilled to open these new low mobility trails in Pioneer Park,” said Mary Sjostrom, Area A Director of the Cariboo Regional District. “This project reflects our dedication to creating inclusive spaces where all members of our community can connect with nature and enjoy outdoor activities.”

“We're excited to announce that we've opened new low-mobility trails in partnership with the Cariboo Regional District,” said Scott Elliott, City of Quesnel Councillor. “These trails make Pioneer Park and the incredible view of Dragon Lake accessible to people of all abilities. This addition enhances our community's accessible recreational opportunities and aligns with our goal of being an accessible community.”

The CRD and City of Quesnel collaborated with multiple partners to develop the Pioneer Park trails, including Lhtako Dene Nation, Quesnel River Archers, Dragon Lake Paddlers, and the Cariboo Farmers’ Institute and Dragon Lake Women’s Institute who donated the land.

The three regional trails included in this ambitious project were made possible through the generous funding provided by the Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program - Community, Culture and Recreation Program ($335,998) and from the Cariboo Regional District’s subregional recreation budgets ($122,202) for the north, central, and south Cariboo.