Disaster exercise PAGE A3
Wednesday, September 23, 2015
Bank of gratitude at culture days PAGE A12
VOL. 102 NO. 6
www.quesnelobserver.com
Terry fox run PAGE A17
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Mayor and council seek coordinated approach from feds and province AUTUMN MacDONALD Observer Reporter Looking for a “coordinated approach” for a community in transition, Mayor Bob Simpson and council are making their pitch to ministers at the annual Union of British Columbia Municipalities this week. “Quesnel City Council has demonstrated that we will lead our community through this transition period; that we will take the necessary steps, as difficult as they may be, to ensure we are fiscally sustainable and that our community will remain resilient and vibrant,” the request to Premier Clark and cabinet reads. “We need the same focused and timely leadership from the provincial government. “To that end, Quesnel City Council respectfully requests a special cabinet committee in the mountain pine beetle impact zone to enable us to proactively manage through this transition period, ensure our traditional sectors are able to maximize their investment and employment opportunities and to work with communities to implement community stability initiatives in an expeditious manner.” The two main areas council is seeking provincial as-
sistance on include industrial sector strategies and community stability initiatives. Simpson pointed to a longunanswered request from Quesnel River Pulp to the province seeking PST relief on their energy purchase and for changes to a BC Hydro energy efficient program that could potentially attract investment to the mill. Simpson also highlighted a request from C&C Wood Products that is also unanswered and seeks fibre security so they can pursue alternative products and markets that would assist in mitigating midterm timber supply crisis and forest rehabilitation. On the community stability front, council pointed to the long-waited request for a new junior school, “immediate” needed upgrades to GR Baker, help with physician recruitment programs and year-to-year funding from both provincial and federal government to address infrastructure needs. “These are examples of industry not getting the attention it needs to change,” Simpson said, noting a good working relationships with ministers. “We’re in a time crunch, we need focus and coordination.”
Stack ‘em high, watch ‘em fly This young entrepreneur at the Farmers’ Market knows how to market her corn with high stacks of fresh, local produce. The corn was flying off the table as customers took advantage of the late season availability. Annie Gallant photo
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s September 25, 26, 27, 2015
Check out page A15 for are CultureDays.ca schedule of events.
< ( $ 5 6
Celebrating our
60 th
Anniversary!
Saturday, September 26th West Fraser Timber Park · 1 - 5 pm Opening Ceremonies 1:15 pm