Special Closed Council Meeting
Council met with Northern Health to discuss healthcare recruitment and retention in the north.
President and CEO Ciro Panessa briefed Council on current initiatives in retention, recruitment, training, and healthcare system redesign intended to stabilize staffing and reduce service interruptions.
Health Service Administrator Daryl Petsul noted Quesnel has the lowest vacancy rate in Northern Health across all disciplines and employs nearly 700 staff with a median age of 42. The number of employees reaching retirement age lends to a generational shift in the workforce, and the younger demographic is seeking a more flexible work-life balance, prompting employers to look at new staffing solutions.
Northern Health applauded Quesnel's proactive and progressive Healthcare Recruitment and Retention program as an example for other municipalities and asserted that, due to physician and staff dedication, Quesnel is one of the few smaller municipalities without emergency service interruptions to date.
Additionally, Northern Health advised that as they prepare for the new assisted living facility on Roddis Drive, two challenges have become apparent to accommodate potential new employees: housing and childcare. Both of which are on the City's radar.
Vice President Communications & Public Affairs Steve Raper updated Council on the provincial work underway to coordinate and align health transportation services across the region to support patients’ access to transportation for medical appointments.
Regular Council Meeting
Committees
Policy & Bylaw Committee: The Committee is actively working on reviewing and revising or reaffirming Council policies.
Accessibility Committee: The Committee is preparing for Accessibility Week and will be conducting a survey to determine accessibility needs and priorities in our community.
Financial Plan & 2025 Tax Rate Bylaws
Council provided the first three readings on Bylaws 1971 Financial Plan and 1972 Tax Rates.
The average residence in Quesnel (valued at $356,643) will see an increase of $87.98 in the municipal tax portion of their property tax invoice or $24.67 per $100,000 of assessment. A commercial business will see an increase of approximately $125.16 per $100,000 of assessment.
Municipal taxes account for 45% of a residential property tax invoice. The remaining portions are school tax (28% before the home owner grant is taken into consideration), North Cariboo Recreation (14%), Regional Hospital (9%), and then other taxes for taxing authorities, including the Regional District, Municipal Finance Authority, and BC Assessment.
2025 Paving and Road Repairs
Council approved awarding the 2025 paving contract to Terus Construction (formerly Quesnel Paving), A Division of Colas Western Canada Inc., with options of up to two year by year mutually agreed upon extensions.
Vista Radio Lease Agreement
Council approved a one-year lease agreement with Vista Radio for specified space on the 5th floor of City Hall, 410 Kinchant Street.
Baker Creek Water Crossing Project
Council approved an increase to the project budget for the Baker Creek Watermain Crossing by $97,000 with funds from water reserves. Due to permitting requirements, the 2024 construction window was not achievable. The project has been tendered for 2025 construction, and the lowest qualified bid exceeds the 2024 forecasted budget.
Bylaws
- Bylaw 1971 - City of Quesnel Five Year Financial Plan Bylaw No. 1971, 2025 - First, Second & Third Readings
- Bylaw 1972 - City of Quesnel 2025 Tax Rate Bylaw No. 1972, 2025 - First, Second & Third Readings
Announcements
- May is Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month. The MS flag will be raised on the LeBourdais Park community flagpole on May 1st for the month of May. The annual MS walk will be held Saturday, May 24, at the Farmer's Market (Helon Dixon field) from 8:30 am - 1:00 p.m.
- National AccessAbility Week - May 25 - 31 - The City's Accessibility Committee will host a booth at Spirit Square during Accessibility Week and participate in the 4th Annual Children’s Festival at LeBourdais Park on May 31st, promoting a new event, “The Amazing Race to Inclusion”. For more information visit Let's Connect.