comedy show at northstar PAGE A5
Wednesday, January 21, 2015
local author in chicken soup PAGE A6
VOL. 101 NO. 40
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regional skate in quesnel PAGE A10
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CITY COUNCIL
Council dissolves QCEDC board AUTUMN MacDONALD Observer Reporter
After council’s decision to dissolve the Quesnel Community and Economic Development Corporation (QCEDC), some board members are speaking out. “I understand council is looking at ways to save money,” former QCEDC chair Jim Gorsline said. “But they lost a critical independent viewpoint in retaining existing business.” The decision to dissolve the board came during council’s strategic planning process. According to a UBCM report, the majority of B.C. municipalities use an in‐house model for economic development and this approach is rated as a highly effective way to do economic development by municipalities that use it. “Council believes that an in‐house economic development function will more directly align with its strategic plan and budget constraints and, as a consequence, is taking steps to dissolve QCEDC and its Board,” mayor Bob Simpson said. “We’re grateful for the time, energy and commitment that the volunteer board of the QCEDC have put into economic development for our region and thank the Board members for their dedication and service to our community.” Simpson pointed to a savings of about $140,000 from the decision, however some board members, consisting of community members question the savings. “It was a big surprise to hear,” former board member and Cariboo Regional District director John Massier said. “I can’t understand the savings when you’re getting rid of a board of volunteers.” Simpson noted QCEDC’s “surplus” budget but regardless he said “it’s still taxpayers money.” “Yes, it’s a one-time savings,” he said. “But it meant we aren’t making staff cuts.” In the meantime, an interim board will be composed of three council members, one CRD representative and two city senior staff.
Hey Baby! Put your baby’s picture in the
Beautiful Babies of 2014 Special edition
Entry deadline is January 30, 2015
Tom the torchbearer Local high-profile veteran Tom Moffat, left accepts the Canada Winter Games torch from Paralympic athlete James Gemmell as he completes the last leg before entering the arena for torch celebrations. For more photos see PAGE A3.
Whitney Griffiths photo
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