Quesnel Council Highlights - November 3, 2026 mtg

Courtesy of the City of Quesnel:

Council Highlights

Elder Bryant Paul greeted the newly elected Mayor and Council in the Council Chambers and offered an opening prayer, followed by welcome statements from Chiefs Lebrun, Stump, Etherington, and Baptiste. The Quesnel Legion Branch #94 Ladies Auxiliary then gave an opening invocation.

Image

Image

The Honourable Judge Hutchison signed the oaths and code of conduct with the newly elected officials, affirming that they shall perform the duties of the office of Mayor/Councillor respectfully, faithfully and with integrity.

Image

Image

Annual Committee Appointments

Council approved the 2026/2027 appointments for the Acting Mayor Schedule, Council Standing Committees, Select Committees, and External Committees. To view the committee list, please visit: https://www.quesnel.ca/city-hall/mayor-council/committees

Inaugural Address

Mayor Oakes opened the inaugural meeting by thanking Elders, community leaders, and members of the Royal Canadian Legion for their prayers, blessings, and contributions to the ceremony. She recognized residential school survivors, Indigenous leaders, and the four neighbouring First Nations, acknowledging their leadership, partnership, and ongoing contributions to the region.

The Mayor extended thanks to dignitaries, community volunteers, outgoing elected officials, school trustees, and all candidates who participated in the election, noting that public service strengthens local democracy. She also recognized Indigenous Veterans Day and Remembrance Day, honouring those who have served and sacrificed for Canada.

Mayor Oakes spoke about the opportunities and challenges facing the community and region, emphasizing the importance of collaboration, financial sustainability, strong partnerships, and support from dedicated City staff. She identified public safety as a key priority for Council's first 100 days and committed to working with community partners, agencies, and governments to address local concerns.

Looking ahead, she called on regional leaders to work together to address housing, homelessness, mental health, addiction, and community wellness. She shared a vision of a safe, inclusive, and prosperous community where residents of all ages can thrive and where future generations have opportunities close to home.

In closing, Mayor Oakes reflected on her family's long connection to the Cariboo and the idea that true abundance is found in the opportunities, support, and care we provide one another. She thanked her family, friends, mentors, and the community for their support and concluded by expressing her honour and commitment to serving the people of Quesnel.

Council members were each given an opportunity to address those in attendance, expressing their gratitude for the support, encouragement, and input received throughout the election process. They reaffirmed their commitment to serving the community with respect, collaboration, and openness, both within Council and through partnerships with local organizations and community stakeholders. Council members thanked the Elders, Chiefs, dignitaries, family members, and residents who attended the inaugural gathering, and shared their optimism for the future. They acknowledged the work ahead and expressed their excitement to begin working together on the many opportunities and projects that will help build a strong, prosperous, and inclusive community.

Image

2026 General Local Election Report

Council received the 2026 General Local Election Report, providing the results as required by Section 158 of the Local Government Act.

The report included the Determination of Election Results, Declaration of Official Election Results, and Ballot Account

All these items have also been posted to the City of Quesnel Website for public viewing.

Messages from the Gallery

Mayor and Council were pleased to receive messages of congratulations and support from the Quesnel and District Chamber of Commerce, Cariboo Regional District Directors Barb Bachmeier and Nicole Audet, Adam Schaan on behalf of MLA Sheldon Clare, and Elder Archie Chantyman, each sharing their best wishes for the term ahead.

Quesnel Council Highlights - October 6, 2026 mtg

Editor's Note -- October 6, 2026 was the final meeting of Quesnel City Council for their 2022-2026 term

Courtesy of the City of Quesnel:

Snow Contractor Liability Insurance

Council approved adding one snow removal contractor to the City’s liability insurance program. This helps ensure the City can continue to provide reliable winter maintenance services, as liability insurance can be costly and difficult for smaller contractors to obtain.

Food Hub Replacement – Award of Contract

Council has awarded the contract to rebuild the Food Hub at 101 Marsh Drive to Fresno Construction Ltd. The project is valued at approximately $2.4 million and is being funded through insurance proceeds and grant funding.
Following the fire in May 2025, work has been underway to design a replacement building that includes required code upgrades and improvements that were planned before the fire.
The total project budget is $3 million, and insurance and grants are expected to cover all costs. No City funds have been allocated to the project at this time. 

NDIT Business Façade Improvement Grant 

Council approved an application to the Northern Development Initiative Trust’s Business Façade Improvement Program for 2027.
This annual program helps local businesses and organizations enhance the appearance and functionality of their storefronts and building exteriors. The program continues to see strong interest in Quesnel, supporting investment in the community and helping keep our downtown and commercial areas looking their best.

UBCM Community to Community Grant Application 

Council approved a grant application to the UBCM Regional Community to Community Program to support meetings with local First Nations regarding the future of the former Quesnel Junior School property.
If approved, the grant would provide up to $20,000 to support collaboration, relationship-building, and early discussions on land use planning. These conversations will help develop a shared vision for the site and explore partnership opportunities for its future development.

Hillside Hazard Development Permit for 1142 Purmal Avenue 

Council approved a Development Permit to allow the reconstruction of a home destroyed by fire in the Hillside Hazard Development Permit Area.  The approval is subject to registering a restrictive covenant on the property referencing the geotechnical report submitted stating the site is safe for redevelopment on the existing foundation and is within acceptable risk tolerances in the West Quesnel Land Stability Area.   Additional conditions include restoring rear lane access for utility servicing and maintenance. 

Bylaws

• Bylaw #1986 - City of Quesnel Permissive Tax Exemption Bylaw Amendment Bylaw No. 1986 of 2026 - Final Adoption

Announcements/Events

Mayor and Council provided closing remarks for the 2022-2026 Council term, reflecting on key accomplishments, key initiatives undertaken, and collaborative efforts over the past four years. Members expressed their appreciation to fellow Council members, City staff, community partners, and residents for their support and contributions throughout the term. The closing remarks can be viewed in the Council Meeting video recording beginning at 27:23.

Quesnel Council Highlights - September 25, 2026 mtg

Courtesy of the City of Quesnel:

Response to Deepening Crisis in British Columbia’s Forest Sector

Council approved sending a letter to the Premier asking the Province to recognize Quesnel as a key partner in the proposed Forest Crisis Action Group and the Make More in BC initiative. With initiatives like the Future of Forestry Think Tank, Forestry Innovation Centre, and Three Rivers Community Forest already in place, Quesnel has the experience, partnerships, and leadership needed to help shape the future of B.C.’s forest sector.

City of Quesnel Permissive Tax Exemption Bylaw Amendment Bylaw No. 1986 of 2026

Council approved the first three readings of the 2024-2027 Permissive Tax Exemption Amendment Bylaw. The amendment reflects recent property changes, including the amalgamation of Tillicum Society properties related to the construction of a new apartment building. Tillicum Society has submitted updated applications to reflect the current and planned use of its properties. The bylaw also removes the SPCA property from the permissive tax exemption program, as the current municipal pound services agreement concluded at the end of August.

Sensitive Ecosystem Development Permit for 196 Tatchell Road

Council approved an application to construct a new covered deck within the Sensitive Ecosystem Development Permit Area. The conditions of approval include restoring disturbed soils, minimizing erosion and sediment runoff, and preserving existing riparian vegetation wherever possible.

 TUSE2025-06 Temporary Use Permit - 395 Elliott Street

Council received an update on the work staff has undertaken since September 1 to explore potential Temporary Winter Shelter location options, confirming no alternative options to 395 Elliott were identified. The report also outlined the process available to Council should it wish to reconsider or receive a new application for a Temporary Use Permit related to an emergency shelter at 395 Elliott Street.

Quesnel Council Highlights - September 1, 2026 mtg

Courtesy of the City of Quesnel:

Housing Solutions Table Report

Council asked staff to explore other options for a warming shelter at 395 Elliott Street or another suitable location. Staff will also confirm whether BC Housing funding would still be available if the topic comes back to Council on September 22, 2026.

North Cariboo Highway Rescue Society Licence of Occupation

Council approved entering into a Licence of Occupation agreement with the North Cariboo Highway Rescue Society for their use of the property at 298 Evans Drive in Quesnel for a five-year term.

Political Campaign Sign Bylaw – 2026

Because of construction on the Johnston Bridge, Council approved North Star Road as an alternate location for campaign signs during the 2026 election. It will replace the Johnston Bridge Loop location listed in Political Campaign Sign Bylaw 1875, 2026.

Image

Quesnel Minor Baseball Association Licence of Use and Occupation

Council approved entering into a Licence of Use and Occupation agreement with the Quesnel Minor Baseball Association for their use of the clubhouse building adjacent to the ball field known as Rotary Ball Park in Lebourdais Park for a five-year term.

Quesnel Council Highlights - August 25, 2026 mtg

Courtesy of the City of Quesnel:

Quesnel Ambassador Leadership Program

Council expressed appreciation to the 2025/2026 Outgoing Ambassadors Grace Cassidy and Ociah Woodruff, and welcomed the 2026/2027 Incoming Ambassadors Abigail Russell and Nora Aziz.

Quesnel Health Services - 2026 Updates

Council received an update on local health services from Daryl Petsul, senior operating officer, northern interior rural, and Michelle Lawrence, executive director, specialized services with Northern Health.

The presentation highlighted current efforts to strengthen healthcare services in the region, including physician recruitment, medical training initiatives, and the implementation of Teladoc services at urgent and primary care centres. Council also received an overview of the local physician workforce and how healthcare delivery continues to evolve to meet changing community needs.

Challenges facing healthcare systems across the province were also discussed, including workforce changes, an aging population, declining birth rates, increasing patient care complexity, hospital capacity pressures, and rising incidents of workplace violence.

Tourism Marketing Results

Amy Thacker, CEO of the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Tourism Association (CCCTA), provided Council with an update on the results of the Municipal and Regional District Tax (MRDT) program and the positive impact it is having across the region.

With growing community participation, CCCTA’s marketing efforts have contributed to increasing room revenues, increasing the provincial share of room revenues for the region, and increasing qualified referrals to tourism operators, year over year, since the inception of MRDT in the region. The organization is also leveraging Destination BC funding to expand marketing efforts, promote key travel routes such as the Gold Rush Trail, and deliver targeted campaigns that encourage more visitors to stay longer and explore the region.

Looking ahead, priorities include tourism industry training, a highway signage strategy, responsible travel initiatives, and continued advocacy for improved transportation options. CCCTA also emphasized the importance of ongoing collaboration with local tourism operators to support regional growth and development.

Nilhts’i Ecoener Wind Project

Council approved a request to provide a letter of support for the Nilhts’i Ecoener Wind Project as part of its Energy Regulator Activities Act permit application after receiving more information about the project's potential use of the Quesnel landfill and any associated impacts on landfill capacity and operations.

Local Government Climate Action Program Reporting

Council received the 2025 Local Government Climate Action Report, which tracks the City’s greenhouse gas emissions and local climate action efforts.

The report is required under the Local Government Climate Action Program, which provides funding to support projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote sustainability in communities across British Columbia.

Capital Prioritization

Council reviewed and approved priorities within the City’s 20-year capital plan, while also providing recommendations for the next Council.

Council approved making the water treatment project the top priority for future infrastructure grant funding, implementing an annual increase to taxation of 1.5% per year to go into the capital reinvestment reserve to ensure adequate funding to maintain the city’s current infrastructure, and exploring long-term parking solutions as part of the planned RCMP detachment renovation project before it proceeds to referendum.

Council Information Package:

Council reviewed several items included in the Council Information Package.

A resident letter regarding public safety was discussed and will be forwarded to an upcoming Public Safety and Policing Committee meeting for further review.

Council also received an update on a letter of support provided for the Quesnel Kangaroos Hockey Club's bid to host the 2027 Western Canada Savage Cup Hockey Championship.

Quesnel Legion - Cenotaph Request

Council directed staff to review the request from the Quesnel Legion and bring a report back to a future council meeting regarding the possible relocation of the Cenotaph.

City of Quesnel Appointment of Officers and Delegation of Authority Amendment Bylaw No. 1985 of 2026 – Final Reading

Council approved the final reading of the City of Quesnel Appointment of Officers and Delegation of Authority Amendment Bylaw No. 1985 of 2026.

Quesnel Council Highlights - July 28, 2026 mtg

Courtesy of the City of Quesnel:

2026/27 Northstar Interchange Prescribed Fire Proposal

Matt Duran, Wildfire Technician with the Quesnel Fire Zone of the Cariboo Fire Centre, provided Council with an update on plans for a prescribed burn near the Northstar Interchange.

The project is designed to reduce the risk of spring grass fires by safely removing dead vegetation that can easily ignite and spread to nearby properties, infrastructure, and forested areas.

Planning and coordination are ongoing, with the BC Wildfire Service working closely with the Quesnel Fire Department, local First Nations, and other partners to ensure the burn is carried out safely and effectively.

The burn will only proceed when weather and site conditions are favourable. While timing will depend on those conditions, the current target is Spring 2027, when crews can remove winter vegetation and encourage healthy new growth in the area.

Quesnel Regional Airport Master Plan

Council recently received an overview of the upcoming Quesnel Regional Airport Master Plan from HM Aero Aviation Consulting.

The plan will help guide the airport's long-term future by identifying operational, infrastructure, and economic development priorities while adapting to changing industry needs. Work will be completed in four phases, including stakeholder engagement, background analysis, strategic planning, and development of the final Master Plan.

The project is expected to be completed by the end of 2026 and will help shape the future direction of the Quesnel Regional Airport for years to come.

March with Arch

Council approved a request to reserve two campsites for four nights in support of the annual March with Arch Pilgrimage in 2026.

The March with Arch is an annual healing journey that honours Archie Chantyman and promotes messages of faith, hope, love, unity, and forgiveness. The pilgrimage brings participants together in a shared experience focused on healing and community connection.

The reserved campsite dates are September 11 to 13 and September 21 to 23, 2026.

Nilhts’i Ecoener Wind Project

Council deferred consideration of a request to provide a letter of support for the Nilhts’i Ecoener Wind Project as part of its Energy Regulator Activities Act permit application.

Council requested additional information regarding the project's potential use of the Quesnel landfill and any associated impacts on landfill capacity and operations. The matter will be brought back to a future Council meeting for further consideration once that information has been received.

City of Quesnel Appointment of Officers and Delegation of Authority Amendment Bylaw No. 1985 of 2026 

Council approved the first three readings of the City of Quesnel Appointment of Officers and Delegation of Authority Amendment Bylaw No. 1985 of 2026.

Providence Long Term Care and Assisted Living Update

Council received an update on the proposed Providence Long-Term Care and Assisted Living development at Cariboo Field (345 Roddis Drive).

Development Permit approval and site preparation for the new 144-bed long-term care and 144-bed assisted living facility is expected to begin in late fall, with construction anticipated to start in spring or summer 2027.

Council was also advised that the project has requested approval for construction activities between 7:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., seven days a week. Under the City's Nuisance Bylaw, construction noise is currently permitted from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. on weekdays and 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on weekends.

Council Information Package:

Council discussed the Council Information package:

• Northern-Rural Homeowner Grant – City of Prince George:
  Council approved a letter be sent to the City of Prince George to support their request to the Province to reconsider the decision to end the Northern-Rural Homeowner Benefit.
• Temporary Winter Shelter:
  Council directed staff to obtain legal advice regarding the City's authority, responsibilities, and potential liabilities related to the provision or non-provision of winter shelter for unhoused individuals.

Correspondence

Council approved the following requests for resolutions of support for initiatives and grant applications:

• Aboriginal Housing Management Association (AHMA) - Request for Support:
  Council approved a letter be sent to the Aboriginal Housing Management Association (AHMA) in support of its Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM) resolution advocating for the establishment of an Indigenous-led, cross-sector housing alliance and to endorse AHMA's advocacy efforts urging the Province of British Columbia to support the continuation of Canada's Urban Native Housing Program beyond its anticipated expiry in 2028.
• ECHEN Request for letter of support - Hall renovation NICHIE Marketing:
  Council approved a letter of support request to ECHEN Healing Society for their application to the Northern Development Initiative Trust Community Development Grants Program for the ECHEN Hall Renovation Project and the Nurturing Indigenous Culture, Heritage and Expression Promotion and Community Awareness Campaign.

Announcements/Events

• The Lhtako Dene Nation Traditional Powwow takes place from July 31 to August 2, 2026, at the Lhtako Dene Nation Pow Wow Grounds.
  Dates & Times: Opens Friday, July 31, 2026, at 5:00 PM and runs through Sunday, August 2, 2026.
• The 8th Annual Touch A Truck event takes place on September 19, 2026, hosted by the Quesnel & District Child Development Centre.

Special Quesnel Council Highlights - July 21, 2026 mtg

Courtesy of the City of Quesnel:

July 21, 2026, Special Open Council Meeting

Temporary Use Permit at 395 Elliott Street Council considered a Temporary Use Permit to allow a temporary winter shelter to operate at 395 Elliott Street. Following discussion, the motion to approve the permit was defeated. Council heard presentations from BC Housing and the Quesnel Shelter and Support Society regarding the shelter's operation from January to April 2026. During that time, the shelter provided overnight accommodation, meals, health and wellness supports, and case planning services. As part of the process, additional public notification was provided through newspaper advertisements, the City's website, and direct mail to nearby property owners. Community feedback included seven letters expressing concerns and twenty three letters expressing support. The City will continue working with community partners and stakeholders toward the development of a long-term shelter strategy for Quesnel.