Accessible Parking Awareness Program

Accessibility Committee Members, Lynn Dunkley and Alison Duddy, provided Council with an overview of the Accessible Parking Awareness Program and to request funding of the Program’s 2018 budget. This Program, in its 6th year of operation, has a main focus to educate and increase the general public’s awareness around the importance of having accessible parking stalls made available for the people who depend on them. Challenges around accessible parking spots results when abled-bodied people park in the accessible parking spots, people not displaying their placard correctly on their review mirror, or disabled people parking in the accessible spot but remains in their vehicle while an abled bodied person exits the vehicle to do business. Parking in designated Accessible Parking Spots requires a valid parking permit acquire through SPARCBC, but regulations must be followed. The Accessible Parking Awareness Program 2018 operation budget request was referred to Council’s Financial Sustainability and Audit Committee for further consideration.

2018 Capital Budget

The City’s 2018 Capital Budget, totaling $11,003,595, has now been approved by Council. The largest capital project for 2018 is the Reid Street Revitalization Project estimated at $6.13 million. The 2018 Capital Budget is based on grants of $1.8 million, with other funding coming from reserves, utility fees and taxation. A full list of all 2018 Capital projects is available on the City’s website.

South Quesnel – Highway Haulers and Frontage Roads

Council reviewed parking on frontage roads located in the South Quesnel Business District, recognizing the safety problems caused by big trucks parking along the Frontage roads. Council’s intent is to ban parking on frontage roads along Rita Road, Balsam Avenue, Newman Road, and Chew Road (from Tim Hortons to the Sandman hotel). No Parking signs will be installed by the City’s Public Works department followed by enhanced bylaw enforcement.

Reid Street Revitalization Project – Concept Design

The City’s Reid Street Revitalization Project is being completed because of an aged-out water main line along 200, 300 and 400 blocks of Reid Street and 100 block of Barlow Avenue. Council discussed the project’s overall design features of the project’s design concept and total costs of the project, estimated at $6.1 million, but could be scaled back depending on the level of finishes, final negotiations of the design concept and the final scope of the project.

Next steps include: finalize the Design Concept that includes public consultation; pre-qualification of contractors, tender the project in mid-February 2018; and construct the project in the summer of 2018. Visit the City’s website, to view the full details of the Urban Systems Concept Design that includes the project’s design concept, design finishes, timeline, site layout, materials palettes, capital costs and tendering.

City’s 2017 Third Quarter Report

The City’s third quarter report for 2017 includes each department’s key activities and statistics and lists an update for activities included in the Corporation’s 2017 Strategic Plan. Unique to this quarter, is the City’s activities around the 2017 Wildfires that affected some City department’s statistics more than others. To view the full details of this report, please visit the City’s website.

Bylaw of the Month – Sidewalk Snow/Ice Removal

The Bylaw Enforcement Department will be focusing on increasing awareness around the importance of removing snow and ice from sidewalks in the downtown area, as defined on the map attached to the Street, Traffic and Parking Bylaw 1773. All property owners, or occupiers, in the downtown area are required to remove snow and ice from sidewalks, adjacent to their properties, before 10 am each day; otherwise a minimum fine and/or fee per instance of $100.00 could apply.

Council Highlights provide a summary of business conducted by Council at Regular Council meetings. For specific details, visit www.quesnel.ca. Contact: Gina Albers, Deputy Corporate Administrator at 250-991-7471.

Wildfire Economic Recovery

Emergency Management BC has provided funding for a North Cariboo Wildfire Recovery team to assess the economic impacts of the 2017 fires and development plan for recovery.

If the 2017 North Cariboo wildfire impacted you or your business we want to hear from you. Visit us at our office at 246 St. Laurent Ave, phone: 250-985-0510 or email: wildfirerecovery@quesnel.ca.

View the latest news from the team on the City website:

LATEST NEWS

Award winning website – City of Quesnel

The City of Quesnel website, designed by UpanUp Studios, has won the Gold Davey Award.

The Davey Awards honors the best in Web, Design, Video, Advertising, Mobile & Social from small agencies worldwide and gold is their highest honour— winners receive a score of 9.0 or above.

The City website is now a great resource for potential and current residents, visitors, businesses, and investors.

VISIT THE WEBSTE

City news and events will be sent weekly and only when there is new inforamtion. Visit the City’s news page on the City’s website to view all current news.

West Fraser Mills Ltd. – Delegation

Mr. Chris Finch, General Manager for the Quesnel Sawmill, highlighted for Council what the proposed West Fraser Quesnel Sawmill Air Permit Amendment will mean for Quesnel’s Airshed. Mr. Finch’s presentation was made as part of the public consultation process under the Environment Act. Mr. Finch advised that under normal operations of the Quesnel sawmill, 24 hrs/day from Monday to Friday, the total particulate emissions from the Quesnel sawmill into the Quesnel Airshed will remain well below the Ministry’s Permit maximum total particulate. The proposed Quesnel Sawmill Air Permit Amendment is for:

·         Change Operations from 5 days to 7 days to ensure shutdown and start-up operations and occasional overtime shift is included. Note: West Fraser currently has no plans to run 7 days a week.

·         Two high efficiency cyclones have replaced three old technology cyclones that handle wet sawdust, sawdust and chips from mill equipment that were added in 2012 for dust mitigation and employee health and safety.

·         Kiln #7 converted from Batch Kiln to a new Continuous Dry Kiln that was completed in 2017 as the company moved from dead/dry pine to green logs. Company also added a new Continuous Dry Kiln #8 where an evaporator will be installed to evaporate kiln condensate.

City’s Plastic Recycling Stream – Contamination Challenges

An ongoing challenge in Quesnel is the contamination of the community’s plastic waste recycling stream due to non-recyclable plastic-bags, and other non-recyclable material, entering the recyclables stream. In addition, Council learned of the health and environmental effects caused by single-use plastic bags, and other single use plastic items. The problem of recycling contamination is both a plastics problem, but is also a social issue. This issue also ties into the lead-up to the City’s overall 2020 Zero-Waste initiative. Council decided that the next steps should include public engagement with the City’s three Business Improvement Associations and the Quesnel & District Chamber of Commerce, for further discussion to understand the public opinion of the business community, and if there is a willingness to engage in single-use plastics reduction initiatives.

SPCA Contract

Council approved a five-year contract with the SPCA to act as the City’s Poundkeeper. The summary of minor amendments for this new five year contract are:

·         SPCA to act as the City’s Poundkeeper.

·         Continuing to increase the contract each year by the Consumer Price Index.

·         Changing the wording so that the SPCA will now accept all animals, rather than just dogs. Also, that animal strays from within the City boundaries, that are delivered to the SPCA from the RCMP, will also be included in this contract.

Community Emergency Preparedness Fund Grant Application

Council approved City Staff to apply for the UBCM Community Emergency Preparedness Fund – Emergency Social Services grant to purchase a trailer, cots and related equipment for group lodging intended to enhance the resiliency of Local Governments, and residents, in responding to emergencies.

Next Meetings

·         7 pm, November 28, 2017 – Regular Council Meeting

·         7 pm, December 5, 2017 – Regular Council Meeting

Forest Practices Board – Delegation

Mr. Tim Ryan, Chair of the Forest Practices Board, highlighted for Council what it is that the Forest Practices Board (“Board”) does. The mandate of the Board is to promote overall stewardship of the forests in the province, to serve the Public’s interests, by promoting improved performance from licensees, managers, practitioners and users of the forests, rangelands and resources. This is achieved through the Board completing audits and investigating complaints related to activities occurring on crown lands. The Board has prepared reports, that can be found on the Board’s website, on topics that will interest Local Governments, such as, Managing Forest Fuels in Wildland Urban Interface Areas, Forest Stewardship Plans and Community Watershed. For more information please visit www.bcfpb.ca.

Pinecrest Water Main Project

Due to a $900,000 surplus for the Pinecrest Water Reservoir project, City staff was able to present options to Council to consider expanding the scope of work around this project. Council approved to replace the old undersized water trunk main, in the Two Mile Flat area, from the Pinecrest Reservoir south along Highway 97 to Rome Avenue, subject to regulatory approval. This funding is provided by the Clean Water and Wastewater Fund that is funded through 50% Federal, 33% Provincial and 17% Municipal contributions.

Comprehensive Fees and Charges Bylaw – Annual Update

Council approved the first three readings of the Comprehensive Fees Bylaw 1834 that reflects the City’s annual review of its Comprehensive Fees and Charges. Highlights are:

• 5% increase to water rates, except bulk water to increase the funds available for capital replacement
• 0% increase to sewer fees
• 2% increase to both cemetery and airport fees

Please visit the City’s website to view the full City Staff Report and attachments.

Bylaws

·         Bylaw 1829 – Official Community Plan Amendment (Proposed Elliott Street Supportive Housing Development) – Second Public Hearing – 7 pm, December 13, 2017 at Quesnel & District Seniors’ Centre at 461 Carson Avenue

·         Bylaw 1830 – Zone Amendment (Proposed Elliott Street Supportive Housing Development) – Second Public Hearing – 7 pm, December 13, 2017 at Quesnel & District Seniors’ Centre at 461 Carson Avenue

·         Bylaw 1832 – Financial Plan Amendment – Final Adoption

·         Bylaw 1834 – Comprehensive Fees and Charges Amendment – First, Second, Third Readings

·         Bylaw 1841 – Housing Agreement (Proposed Elliott Street Supportive Housing Development) – First Reading

Quesnel Shelter & Support Society Confused about the Elliott Street Development Process

Quesnel, B.C. – October 3, 2017 –The board of the Quesnel Shelter and Support Society (QS&SS) issued a press release today which “condemns, in the strongest possible terms” Mayor Simpson and City Council’s “obstruction” of the proposed supportive housing development for Elliott Street. City Administration believes that the Shelter Board does not understand the development process and as a result is mis-characterizing the role of elected officials in the development process.

The press release by QS&SS indicates a lack of understanding of the role of the Mayor and Council. City Council only has a voice through voted resolutions of Council, requiring a majority of Council voting in the affirmative. One Council member does not control the agenda. In addition, Council resolutions are almost always made with the benefit of staff reports and recommendations which take into account the legislative and policy framework already established at the City. To suggest that Mayor Simpson and fellow Councillors are “recklessly peddling” misinformation is offensive.

As part of the re-zoning process the general public has a legal right to clearly understand what is being proposed. The public hearing held by the City on September 18^th, resulted in a number of questions that still need to be answered. City staff will be suggesting to Council that BC Housing hold another public information session to answer questions and clear up misunderstanding about the development. City staff will also be recommending to Council to hold another formal public hearing following the information session.

To help look after community interests the City needs to know how the new facility will be operated. Without a clear understanding of who will be served by the new development, and what services will be offered, it’s impossible for the City to develop an understanding of the community impacts. This is why the issue of drop-in services is important.

It’s important to understand the roles of BC Housing, QS&SS and the City in this development proposal. As the developer, BC Housing’s role is to develop housing and provide supportive services to its clientele through a contractual relationship with the Service Provider. QS&SS is the service provider that has been operating the existing Season’s House and whom BC Housing has suggested they will contract for the new facility. The City’s role is to consider the interests of the whole community, not just a targeted clientele.

With regards to the Housing Agreement and the Good Neighbour Agreement which the City is requiring to be completed; these are the tools that will hold this new development accountable. It would be negligent if the City did not require these.

The City commits to continuing its work with BC Housing and other key stakeholders as this development goes through the normal process. The City supports seeing the continued improvement of services and facilities for our most vulnerable residents and recognizes our role in ensuring an evaluation of all land use impacts for landowners and the community as a whole.