What kind of community can Quesnel be by 2020?

That’s the question the Quesnel Community and Economic Development Corporation (QCEDC), and representatives of more than 20 other community and business organizations, have been exploring since November 2003 along with many other people across the community.

QCEDC is an independent, City-owned body overseen by a volunteer board. QCEDC is launching the Quesnel 2020 Project (Q2020) to identify key public and public/private projects that will improve the quality of life in Quesnel.

What is Quesnel 2020?

Quesnel 2020 (“Q2020”) is a community visioning process focused explicitly on practical opportunities for public and private investment that will attract people to invest, live and visit here. By starting now, Quesnel can face challenges and take advantage of opportunities. A key projected outcome of Q2020 is up to five compelling responses, with action plans, for significant projects that will position the community to retain population, attract in-migration, and support further economic development.

Beginning in the fall of 2003, the following work has been undertaken.

1. Formation of a broad-based community steering committee (Q2020

     Project Team)

2.  Communication to all segments of the community on the Q2020 Project

     (including development of a website, www.quesnel2020.com)

3.  Definition of a broad “community vision”

4.  Identification of development projects that fit the vision

5.  Identification of “decision criteria” for project selection

6.  Organization of steering team and broader community for a to complete

     the above

7.  Development of a Phase II plan for Q2020

After extensive discussion, the Q2020 process identified concepts that summarize the Quesnel that people would like to live in as: “Connected, Green and Active.”

Over the course of several Quesnel 2020 Project Team meetings, community meetings, and discussions throughout the Quesnel 2020 process, many projects have been identified that are either currently being worked on or are proposed to assist in the economic diversification or growth of Quesnel. 

By April 2005, QCEDC’s objective is to generate two detailed business plans and/or financing proposals for significant projects, and to complete three additional plans/proposals by October 2005.

During Quesnel 2020 Project Team meetings, participants representing a broad cross section of the community proposed various possible decision criteria. After reviewing more than 140 suggested criteria, nine criteria were selected for aiding the prioritization of projects. A weighting system was also developed. The criteria are as follows:

1.  The project likely has a strong business case (e.g., strong market exists

      for proposed services/products, capital/operating costs are justified by

      direct or indirect return, project backed by strong sponsors, project

      builds on or has synergy with other projects or  community needs,

      project incorporates or could lead to strong private involvement).

2.  The project would likely have a strong economic impact (e.g., full time

      family-wage jobs created, construction jobs, private businesses

      supported or created).

3.  The project already has a project response, with well-defined scope,

      budgets, timelines, some matching dollars, etc.

4.  Where public capital is required, the amount required is likely within

      Quesnel’s capacity (e.g., matching dollars available for a government

      funding program).

5.  Where public capital is required, the project likely has, or would get,

      broad community support and generate a “Yes” vote in a local

      referendum.

6.  The project is consistent with the “community vision” defined by the

      Quesnel 2020 Project (connected, green, active).

7.  It is your “gut feel” that this project is the sort of thing that Quesnel needs

      to do to help it diversify.

8.  The Project does have imminent funding opportunities.

9.  The project integrates well with other projects.

Facility and Project List

The Q2020 steering committee is in the process of selecting two priority projects for proposal development.  The project selection will be completed shortly after the closing of the RFQ. 

The projects currently under consideration include the following:

a)  Public assembly, cultural and recreation facilities

·     Multi-purpose facility (“multiplex” to house a new skating rink, pool and other facilities)

·     Alex Fraser Park development (equine and agriculture facilities)

·     Indoor soccer facility

·     Performing arts theatre

·     Conference Centre facilities (integrated with facilities above)

b) Greening, community beautification and commercial area revitalization. E.g.: 

·     Commercial area revitalization and infill

·     Visual improvements through greening of transportation corridors

·     Trail system improvements

·     Community garden

·     Farmers’ Market development linked to downtown revitalization

Next steps

The next community cafe will be announced shortly, please check back to this site for updates over the next few weeks.

Thank you.