Following are the highlights of the Jan. 16 council notes.
Skateboard Park news
The City of Quesnel has entered into a contract with New Line Skateparks for construction of the updated Skateboard Park by Oct. 31.
On Jan. 11, another round of consultation was held with the Skateboard Park users to review the draft Skateboard Park 3D conceptual drawings.
This $300,000 project has been included in the City’s 2018 Capital Plan.
Grant applications
Council approved staff proceeding with the following three BC Rural Dividend Fund grant applications.
• Project Development – Quesnel Economic Transition Strategy This project will compile the ideas related to Quesnel’s economic transition into a cohesive Economic Transition Strategy.
• Single Applicant – Quesnel Waterfront Development Plan This project will create a vision and plan for the development of Quesnel’s waterfront properties at the confluence of the Fraser River, Quesnel River and Baker Creek with the aim of visitor and resident attraction/retention.
• Special Circumstances – Quesnel Community Marketing Program. This project will provide funding to market Quesnel as a destination for visitors, home buyers and investors over the next two years.
Completed projects
The City of Quesnel received $20,000 from the Northern Development Initiative Trust to help improve local businesses storefront façades.
All five businesses completed their 2017 Façade Improvement Projects and have now received rebates. The five businesses that participated in this grant program are: Spa Rivier, Quesnel Curling Club, Hello Promotions, Full Throttle Motorsports and Quesnel & District Child Development Centre.
Fraser River Foot Bridge lighting
In 2010, the Fraser River Foot Bridge was refurbished with the addition of safety lighting and programmable decorative lighting.
Over time the fixtures and lighting connections have proven to be problematic.
Council approved a $20,000 annual maintenance budget for the decorative and safety lighting on the Fraser River Foot Bridge.
Further, City staff will research options to update and upgrade the existing lighting to LED lighting to a future capital budget.
2018 Local Government Election
Council appointed the Chief Election Officer (Gina Albers) and the Deputy Chief Election Officer (Rhya Hartley) for the upcoming City of Quesnel Oct. 2018 local government election. I approved the first three readings for revisions to various elections bylaws that includes updated 2016 Local Government Act sections, and an extended application time for mail ballots. To review the Elections Report, visit www.quesnel.ca.
Bylaw-of-the-Month – business licences
New and existing business owners/operators are reminded to renew/apply for their 2018 business licence.
Any business operating within the City of Quesnel is required to have a business licence, even if it is based outside City limits.
Furthermore, rental properties with two or more units (where the owner does not occupy) are required to obtain a business licence.
To review the Bylaw of the Month Report, visit www.quesnel.ca.
Bylaws
• 1802 Zone Amendment (Multi-Purpose Recreation Facility on Valhalla/Racing Roads) – Rescinded
• 1835 Election Procedures – First Three Readings
• 1836 Electoral Registration – First Three Readings
• 1837 Automated Voting Machines – First Three Readings
• 1838 Mail Ballots – First Three Readings
• 1839 Council Procedure Bylaw-Section 6 – Final Adoption
• 1840 McLean Street Housing Development Housing Agreement – Final Adoption
• 1842 Elected Officials Oath of Office – First Three Readings