report summarizing the results of the 2011 Quesnel Works: Capital Reinvestment Program paving work, as well as an update regarding the City’s water and sewer utilities. Council approved a list of five projects with project estimates of $350,000 in April 2011, with funds to come from the Quesnel Works reserve. The actual funds spent in 2011 totalled $337,128, or 96.32 per cent of the budget. Included in the spending was one extra project, the widening of Juniper Road by two metres for a bicycle path.
Regarding the utilities update, there were four sewer breaks in 2010, and six in 2011. In 2010 there were five water main breaks, with five more in 2011.
RCMP cameras to be upgraded
Council gave early approval for funding from the 2012 capital budget to pay for security camera upgrades at the RCMP detachment to reduce the risk of potential liability. An RCMP mandate requires that detachment cells be retrofitted to reduce the risk of detainee injury and suicide, limit the ability of detainees to create or conceal weapons and to optimize detainee viewing. In addition, the Province of B.C. requires closed-circuit video equipment where detainees interact with police personnel.
The tender was awarded to StandGuard Enterprises Inc. for $102,447 plus HST. The company has prior experience working in other B.C. police detachments and is familiar with the technical requirements. The project will be funded with $50,000 coming from the 2011 budget and the remainder from the 2012 budget.
Airport and transit news
Council received a report outlining airport and transit statistics from 2011. Regarding the airport, there were 14,095 commercial passengers, an increase of 8.6 per cent over 2010. There were 5,307 aircraft movements, a decrease of 20 per cent from 2010 (much of this is attributed to the slow fire season in 2011.) Out of 904 scheduled commercial flights in 2011, 2.6 per cent (24) were diverted landings due to weather.
As for transit, there were 9,589 handyDART riders in 2011, a decrease of 5.5 per cent from 2010. For conventional transit, there were 63,765 riders, a decrease of 12.8 per cent. The transportation manager noted that discussions are underway with the BC Transit regional manager to investigate ways to improve the schedule and ridership. Council accepted BC Transit’s invitation to present its program and report at a future Council meeting.
Other News
Council provided support in principle for SkyFest 2012, a two-day airshow to be held at the Quesnel Regional Airport Aug. 4 – 5. The support hinges on the SkyFest Society completing and submitting a feasible business plan in one week. Council also capped its funding contribution at $3,000.
Council welcomed the 2012 Miss Quesnel Self Development Program contestants and provided them with their official banners.
This year’s contestants are Cassidy Knorr (Miss Quesnel Firefighters Association), Colette Jarvis (Miss Bob Graham Ltd.),
Jessica Voight (Miss Cutting Edge), Katey Genereux (Miss Attitude South), Parveen Pannu (Miss Outer Limits Hair
Studio), Shelby Westbury (Miss Kal Tire) and Taylor Boucher (Miss Advanced Skin Spa).
