Quesnel City Council has decided to hold off on a referendum for a new public works facility until the next general election.
The decision, made at a strategic planning session, means that a vote won’t be held until October of 2018.
City Manager Byron Johnson says the delay is due to uncertainties in the forest industry….
“The uncertainties in the Canadian lumber markets and that is due to the renewed threat of countervail duties related to the softwood lumber agreement. this increases the business risks faced by our largest industrial ratepayer. in addition the annual allowable cut determination is still being determined for the next 5 year period.”
Johnson noted that there should be clarity on these issues by the time the next election comes around.
He says advantages to holding the referendum during the general election include that it will save approximately 17 thousand dollars and that there is usually a much larger voter turnout than during just referendums which will provide a better gauge of what the public wants.
Johnson says Council will continue to look for funding for the project to try and bring the cost that would have to be borrowed down.