Quesnel Mayor Says Belief That West Quesnel is Being “Abandoned” Could Not be Further From the Truth

Quesnel Mayor Bob Simpson issued a clarification today, after concerns rose on social media that the City was abandoning West Quesnel.

In a letter issued this morning, Simpson says that, in fact, nothing is further from the truth.

West Quesnel sits on a very large, slow-moving, landslide zone, impacting 750 homes, numerous businesses, a school, and more.

In 2012, the City launched the first phase of its dewatering program, installing 13 horizontal drains and 23 pumping wells in an attempt to slow the slide’s movement.

In 2016, the City launched a 5 year review to collect data on whether or not the program was having the intended effect.

But, that review revealed that the program did not have its desired effect, and were recommended to stop installing new pumps and wells.

However, the City will continue to maintain the existing wells, at an annual price tag of 212,000 dollars, as they have limited land slippage to some extent.

Simpson says that residents of West Quesnel should expect a newsletter soon with more details regarding the steps the City is taking.