Quesnel’s BC Winter Games bid received two key endorsements this week.
On Tuesday, Jan. 12, the North Cariboo Joint Planning Committee agreed to support the bid, and on Wednesday, Jan. 13, the Quesnel School District’s Board passed a resolution to partner with the city and offer use of their buildings during the games.
The bid has slightly changed in the past weeks. Instead of just aiming for the 2024 games, the city is now targetting either 2024 or 2026. The planning committee is also planning on using Williams Lake facilities for some events.
The BC Winter Games were hosted in Quesnel in 2000, with Williams Lake hosting in 2002. Ice surfaces in both communities were used in 2000 and 2002. The planning committee hopes a similar situation can happen in 2024 and 2026.
The Cariboo Regional District meets on Friday, Jan. 15.
At the school district’s meeting they agreed to offer support to athletes and the games. The resolution the board passed approved closing the schools in the division for two days to accommodate events. The district also will supply buses to help move athletes and support staff around the city during the games.
The resolution’s exact wording was supplied to the board by the BC Winter Games.
“[The games] supply buses to transport all the kids here, and all those buses stay here and are used,” district secretary-treasurer Jennifer Woollends said. “They need a few more buses to be utilized to get people to their events and wherever the meals will be.”
The city’s bid requires support from both the school division and regional government to be submitted.
The resolution passed unanimously.
Teachers would still be paid for the two days schools would be closed, but staff is encouraged to volunteer at the events.
READ MORE: Quesnel moving forward with 2024 BC Winter Games bid
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