British Columbia’s Northern Development Initiative Trust announced nearly $856,000 in funding for the City of Quesnel's ambitious $24-million plan to redevelop the town's waterfront.
The grant is the single largest sum the trust has awarded under its Strategic Initiative Fund. The Quesnel Waterfront Plan was completed in 2019, and calls for numerous improvements and new amenities to be built along the Fraser and Quesnel Rivers in three phases over 10-plus years.
"The Quesnel waterfront project is a multi-pronged initiative that will transform the city’s historic waterfront into a destination, creating new opportunities for growth, job creation and revenue," Northern Development CEO Joel McKay said in a press release.
The first phase of the plan will look at enhancements along eight kilometres of waterfront, allowing for future economic opportunities like boutique shopping, patio dining and recreation. The plan will also feature the Lhtako Dene Cultural Centre and improve existing amenities such as the Riverfront Trail and Fraser River Footbridge, according to Northern Development.
"Quesnel city council is thrilled to have Northern Development once again invest in our community’s transition plan," Quesnel Mayor Bob Simpson said in a press release. "This particular investment will enable us to accelerate the implementation of our waterfront development strategy, a key component of our plan to position Quesnel as an attractive destination for visitors, residents and investors.”
The full waterfront plan can be found online here: www.quesnel.ca/sites/default/files/docs/government/quesnel_waterfront_report-final_print_version-small.pdf.
