Is winter coming early?
Only time will tell, but as the trees are quickly losing their leaves, business at the City shows no signs of slowing down.
In September Council attended a very productive Union of B.C. Municipalities (UBCM) convention, in which all of Council met with four provincial ministries to advocate on behalf of Quesnel. Council found a lot of value in the sessions that aligned with many of the situations our community is currently facing - view the UBCM Reports.
Council has been very busy with Committee meetings and is now preparing to dive into budget review. October 21st started with the Public Safety and Policing Committee meeting, then a Council to Council meeting with Lhtako Dene Nation, followed by our Regular Council meeting at 5:30 p.m.
In memory of former Mayor Mary Sjostrom
Mayor Paull and Council remembered former Mayor Mary Sjostrom fondly and extended condolences to Mary's family and friends, followed by a moment of silence.
City flags will fly at half-mast for a week to honour Mary's commitment and service to the City of Quesnel.
Delegation - CCCTA
Patti Gerhardi, Destination and Experience Manager for the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Tourism Association, provided Council with an operational overview of their activities in Quesnel & area.
The CCCTA offers a free partnership program which promotes local businesses on their website. Find out more by visiting Land Without Limits.
Legislative changes to Local Government Act and Local Elections Campaign Financing Act
The Ministry of Housing and Municipal Affairs governs municipal elections in B.C., and on May 13, 2025, the Legislature passed the Miscellaneous Statutes Amendment Act (Bill 13), affecting various processes for the 2026 general local election.
Indigenous Acknowledgement
Council approved a broader Indigenous acknowledgment to include the multitude of Nations and Indigenous Peoples that call Quesnel home and allow the Chair the flexibility to deliver the message in a way that is meaningful to them. The change will take effect at Council and Committee meetings once the City's Council Procedure Bylaw has been amended and will read:
"The City of Quesnel recognizes the long-standing and ongoing connection of the Southern Dakelh and Tsilhqot’in Peoples to this region; the Lhtako Dené, Nazko, Lhoosk’uz Dené, and ʔEsdilagh Nations. We are grateful to live, gather, and work in partnership with all Indigenous Peoples, First Nations, Métis, and Inuit, and we honour their cultures, histories, and contributions to our vibrant community."
Pacific Coastal Airlines
Council approved the lease agreement with Pacific Coastal Airlines, which will see the new service provider in the Quesnel Regional Airport, offering passengers more varied travel options and also providing a freight service.
Development & Public Safety
From its existing strategic plan and during the recent UBCM convention, Council advocated for several challenges affecting Quesnel, in their ministerial meetings, which include:
- Development of new multi-family housing in the City in line with an updated Official Community Plan, Housing Needs Assessment, including workforce housing, supportive housing and shelter space
- Tools and resources to address repeat offenders, property crime, nuisance and/or unsightly properties and support for vulnerable populations
Land Use Bylaws - Mark your calendars!
Council reviewed the first iteration of the proposed changes to the Official Community Plan and Zoning Bylaw and approved Staff's consultation plan.
Open House - Thursday, October 30/25 from 2:00 pm - 7:00 pm drop-in at Council Chambers, City Hall, 410 Kinchant Street
Bylaws
- Bylaw 1973 - City of Quesnel Permissive Tax Exemption Amendment Bylaw 1973, 2025 (Places of Worship) - Third Reading
- Bylaw 1974 - City of Quesnel Permissive Tax Exemption Amendment Bylaw 1973, 2025 (Non-Profit) - Third Reading