Quesnel Mayor Mary Sjostrom and guests, Sue-Ellen Miller (School District No. 28) and Coralee Oakes (Chamber of Commerce) shared their enthusiasm regarding the recent trip to China.
The motive for the trip was to explore potential economic development opportunities in Quesnel, backed by Chinese investment and to champion the development of our school district’s international student exchange program.
Bill approved
A request to review seven months of visa bills by Coun. Sushil Thapar was approved.
Thapar, along with any other interested councillors, will meet with the director of finance at City Hall to review the city’s corporate visa bills and to gain an understanding of the process behind the corporate visas.
These cards are mainly used for travel expenses, long term service awards, training courses and various small supplies where payment by credit card is required or is more efficient.
Infrastructure fund
Prior to submitting the two grant applications as discussed at the July 16 Council meeting, more details on the proposed projects under the new Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund (CIIF) were provided.
As per the grant guidelines, grant funds cannot be used for feasibility and planning studies, so planning work on the Two Mile Flat trail would not qualify and further, gas tax funds could not be used as matching funds for the project.
Council approved the recommendation to submit applications for the North Cariboo Multi-Centre project in the amount of $4 million and for the trail rehabilitation project in the amount of $125,000.
The CIIF supports reinvestment in existing community infrastructure and suggests that projects requesting less than $250,000 will receive priority. The city would be required to match any funding received.
New look
Council approved the contract award for the Landfill Entrance Improvements/Weigh Scales project to Lauren Brothers Construction Ltd. in the amount of $294,000 plus HST and a 10% contingency if required.
The budget for this project was $650,000.
Contract work will include the supply and installation of the scales, scale house, electrical works, and sewer system.
City forces and subcontractors will complete the remaining work on this project which includes water servicing, asphalt, fencing, and concrete road barriers.
Water review
Council received the City’s 2011 Drinking Water Annual Report which describes the water system and provides a summary of quality testing and water management during 2011.
It’s presentation to council is required by provincial legislation and has been established as a requirement to ensure accountability to the community for the water service provided. It is now available for public review.
Development
• The City of Quesnel will soon see a storage facility for “All Kinds of Storage”. Council approved the Development Permit (DP) for a mini-storage facility at 392 Johnston Avenue.
• A DP for building improvements by the Nazko First Nation office at 405 Barlow Avenue was also approved by council. Facade improvements include cultured stone, new siding, energy efficient windows, and landscape improvements adhering to the Downtown Design Guidelines.
• Council authorized a Development Variance Permit (DVP) for the construction of a 90m2 detached garage in the North Quesnel neighbourhood at 544 Callanan Street.
• A DVP was authorized by Council for the assembly of a 235m2 open covered building to be used for a synthetic ice rink.
This structure will be located at 404 Redden Road. Council requested that a requirement be attached to this permit to ensure the drainage system is sufficient for the area and this assurance be provided by a qualified engineer, costs to be borne
by the property owners.
Important dates
August 3 – 6 – ArtsWells Festival of All Things Art
August 4 – 5 – SkyFest 2012
August 15 – Tourism Awareness Day at the Visitor Centre
September 30 – 19th Annual Quesnel Women’s Fall Challenge
Proclamations
September 9 – Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Awareness Day
October – Foster Family Appreciation Month
