Quesnel | |
|---|---|
| City of Quesnel | |
.jpg) Aerial view of Quesnel in 2009 | |
 Flag  | |
| Motto: "Quesnel: It's in our nature"[1] | |
  Quesnel Location of Quesnel inBritish Columbia | |
| Coordinates:52°58′47″N122°29′37″W / 52.97972°N 122.49361°W /52.97972; -122.49361[2] | |
| Country | Canada |
| Province | British Columbia |
| Region | North Cariboo |
| Regional district | Cariboo Regional District |
| Founded | 1861 |
| Incorporated as village | 1928 |
| Incorporated as town | 1958 |
| Incorporated as city | 1981 |
| Government | |
| • Mayor | Ron Paull |
| • Governing body | Quesnel City Council |
| Area (2021)[3] | |
| • Land | 35.5 km2 (13.7 sq mi) |
| • Population centre | 25.23 km2 (9.74 sq mi) |
| • Census agglomeration | 21,708.62 km2 (8,381.75 sq mi) |
| Elevation | 545 m (1,788 ft) |
| Population (2021)[3] | |
• Total | 9,889 |
| • Density | 279.8/km2 (725/sq mi) |
| • Population centre | 12,110 |
| • Population centre density | 480.0/km2 (1,243/sq mi) |
| • Census agglomeration | 23,113 |
| • Census agglomeration density | 1.1/km2 (3/sq mi) |
| Time zone | UTC−08:00 (PST) |
| Forward sortation area | |
| Area code(s) | 250,778,236,672 |
| Highways |  Highway 97 Highway 26 |
| Waterways | Fraser River,Quesnel River |
| Website | quesnel |
Quesnel (/kwɪˈnɛl/; Kee-nel in French) is a city located in theCariboo Regional District ofBritish Columbia, Canada. Located nearly evenly between the cities ofPrince George andWilliams Lake, it is on the main route to northern British Columbia and theYukon. Quesnel is located at theconfluence of theFraser River andQuesnel River. As of 2021, Quesnel's metropolitan area (census agglomeration) had a population of 23,113 making it one of the largest urban centres between Prince George andKamloops.[5]
Quesnel is asister city toShiraoi, Japan. Quesnel hosted the 2000BC Winter Games, a biennial provincial amateur sports competition. To the east of Quesnel isWells,Barkerville, andBowron Lake Provincial Park, a popularcanoeing destination in theCariboo Mountains.
Long before the arrival of prospectors during theCariboo Gold Rush of 1862, theFirst Nations peoples, theDakelh or Southern Carrier, lived off the land around Quesnel, occupying the area from theBowron Lakes in the east to the upperBlackwater River andDean River in the west. The Southern Carrier Nation were known among themselves as ‘Uda Ukelh’, meaning ‘people who travel by boat on water early in the morning’.[6]
The name "Quesnel" is derived fromJules-Maurice Quesnel, who accompaniedSimon Fraser on his journey to thePacific Ocean. Quesnel came to be called 'Quesnelle Mouth' to distinguish it fromQuesnel Forks, 97 km (60 mi) up river. In 1870, it had been shortened to Quesnelle and by 1900, it was spelled the way it is now. Quesnel is located along the gold mining trail known as theCariboo Wagon Road and supplied nearby Barkerville, the commercial centre of theCariboo Gold Rush. It also marks one end of theAlexander MacKenzie Heritage Trail.
Because of its location on theFraser River, it was also an important landing forsternwheelers from 1862 to 1886 and then, from 1909 until 1921. The laststernwheeler on the upper Fraser was Quesnel's own namesake craft, and home town product, theQuesnel. Quesnel was incorporated in 1928.
Considering it is located inland and around the53rd parallel north, Quesnel'shumid continental climate[7] (Dfb) is mild by Canadian standards, being subject to marine air flows from the Pacific. Overnight lows are still cool even in summer, but daytime temperatures average above 24 °C (75 °F) in that season according toEnvironment and Climate Change Canada.
The highest temperature ever recorded in Quesnel was 41.7 °C (107.1 °F) on 29 June 2021.[8] The coldest temperature ever recorded was −46.7 °C (−52.1 °F) on 31 December 1927 and 17 January 1950.[9][10]
| Climate data for Quesnel (Quesnel Airport) Climate ID: 1096630; coordinates53°01′34″N122°30′36″W / 53.02611°N 122.51000°W /53.02611; -122.51000 (Quesnel Airport); elevation: 545.0 m (1,788.1 ft); 1991–2020 normals, extremes 1892–present | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Record highhumidex | 13.8 | 15.0 | 21.8 | 30.8 | 36.6 | 36.0 | 41.9 | 36.8 | 37.0 | 27.1 | 16.6 | 11.7 | 41.9 |
| Record high °C (°F) | 13.9 (57.0) | 15.1 (59.2) | 22.3 (72.1) | 31.0 (87.8) | 36.5 (97.7) | 41.7 (107.1) | 36.7 (98.1) | 36.2 (97.2) | 36.1 (97.0) | 26.8 (80.2) | 17.2 (63.0) | 12.2 (54.0) | 41.7 (107.1) |
| Mean daily maximum °C (°F) | −2.9 (26.8) | 1.3 (34.3) | 7.3 (45.1) | 13.5 (56.3) | 18.4 (65.1) | 21.7 (71.1) | 24.1 (75.4) | 24.1 (75.4) | 18.5 (65.3) | 10.8 (51.4) | 2.1 (35.8) | −2.3 (27.9) | 11.4 (52.5) |
| Daily mean °C (°F) | −6.9 (19.6) | −3.6 (25.5) | 1.3 (34.3) | 6.4 (43.5) | 11.1 (52.0) | 14.7 (58.5) | 16.8 (62.2) | 16.4 (61.5) | 11.5 (52.7) | 5.5 (41.9) | −1.4 (29.5) | −5.9 (21.4) | 5.5 (41.9) |
| Mean daily minimum °C (°F) | −10.8 (12.6) | −8.3 (17.1) | −4.7 (23.5) | −0.8 (30.6) | 3.7 (38.7) | 7.6 (45.7) | 9.5 (49.1) | 8.6 (47.5) | 4.5 (40.1) | 0.2 (32.4) | −5.0 (23.0) | −9.6 (14.7) | −0.4 (31.3) |
| Record low °C (°F) | −46.7 (−52.1) | −42.2 (−44.0) | −38.9 (−38.0) | −20.0 (−4.0) | −10.0 (14.0) | −3.3 (26.1) | 0.6 (33.1) | −2.6 (27.3) | −8.9 (16.0) | −28.4 (−19.1) | −37.8 (−36.0) | −46.7 (−52.1) | −46.7 (−52.1) |
| Record lowwind chill | −48 | −43 | −42 | −25 | −10 | −2 | 0 | −1 | −9 | −27 | −48 | −47 | −48 |
| Averageprecipitation mm (inches) | 47.8 (1.88) | 22.7 (0.89) | 24.9 (0.98) | 24.5 (0.96) | 42.6 (1.68) | 66.4 (2.61) | 65.6 (2.58) | 46.2 (1.82) | 50.2 (1.98) | 52.6 (2.07) | 51.3 (2.02) | 41.6 (1.64) | 536.2 (211.1) |
| Average rainfall mm (inches) | 10.4 (0.41) | 6.7 (0.26) | 12.7 (0.50) | 21.2 (0.83) | 41.4 (1.63) | 66.4 (2.61) | 65.6 (2.58) | 46.2 (1.82) | 50.2 (1.98) | 46.3 (1.82) | 22.3 (0.88) | 4.9 (0.19) | 394.3 (15.52) |
| Average snowfall cm (inches) | 44.0 (17.3) | 19.0 (7.5) | 13.4 (5.3) | 3.6 (1.4) | 1.2 (0.5) | 0.0 (0.0) | 0.0 (0.0) | 0.0 (0.0) | 0.0 (0.0) | 6.7 (2.6) | 31.5 (12.4) | 42.8 (16.9) | 162.1 (63.8) |
| Average precipitation days(≥ 0.2 mm) | 12.8 | 9.7 | 9.7 | 9.8 | 12.1 | 15.8 | 14.2 | 12.0 | 12.4 | 14.8 | 14.0 | 13.4 | 150.7 |
| Average rainy days(≥ 0.2 mm) | 3.1 | 3.4 | 5.9 | 8.8 | 11.9 | 15.8 | 14.2 | 12.0 | 12.4 | 13.7 | 7.2 | 2.4 | 110.8 |
| Average snowy days(≥ 0.2 mm) | 11.3 | 7.1 | 5.4 | 2.2 | 0.72 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 2.4 | 8.8 | 11.8 | 49.7 |
| Averagerelative humidity (%)(at 15:00LST) | 74.3 | 62.0 | 46.9 | 37.9 | 40.0 | 44.8 | 44.4 | 42.9 | 49.4 | 59.0 | 72.6 | 75.7 | 54.2 |
| Source:Environment and Climate Change Canada[8][9][10] | |||||||||||||
In the2021 Canadian census conducted byStatistics Canada, Quesnel had a population of 9,889 living in 4,508 of its 4,766 total private dwellings, a change of0.1% from its 2016 population of 9,879. With a land area of 35.35 km2 (13.65 sq mi), it had a population density of279.7/km2 (724.5/sq mi) in 2021.[3] According to the same census, Quesnel had acensus agglomeration population of 23,113, which represented a decrease from 23,146 in the 2016 census.[3]
The median household income in 2015 for Quesnel was $60,651, which is slightly below the British Columbia provincial average of $69,995.[11]
As of 2018, the population of Quesnel is estimated to be a little over 10,000 people living within the city, with roughly 13,000 people living outside the city limits but within the metro area.[12]
| Panethnic group | 2021[3] | 2016[13] | 2011[14] | 2006[15] | 2001[16] | 1996[17] | 1991[18][19] | 1986[20][21][22]: 107 | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pop. | % | Pop. | % | Pop. | % | Pop. | % | Pop. | % | Pop. | % | Pop. | % | Pop. | % | ||||
| European[a] | 7,680 | 79.3% | 7,245 | 74.81% | 7,670 | 78.03% | 7,290 | 79.46% | 7,805 | 79.28% | 6,325 | 75.52% | 6,290 | 77.65% | 6,360 | 77% | |||
| Indigenous | 1,305 | 13.47% | 1,610 | 16.62% | 1,415 | 14.39% | 1,045 | 11.39% | 880 | 8.94% | 710 | 8.48% | 610 | 7.53% | 480 | 5.81% | |||
| South Asian | 295 | 3.05% | 510 | 5.27% | 485 | 4.93% | 555 | 6.05% | 830 | 8.43% | 1,150 | 13.73% | 1,040 | 12.84% | 1,130 | 13.68% | |||
| Southeast Asian[b] | 170 | 1.76% | 90 | 0.93% | 45 | 0.46% | 90 | 0.98% | 80 | 0.81% | 70 | 0.84% | 20 | 0.25% | 70 | 0.85% | |||
| East Asian[c] | 100 | 1.03% | 170 | 1.76% | 140 | 1.42% | 170 | 1.85% | 200 | 2.03% | 70 | 0.84% | 110 | 1.36% | 210 | 2.54% | |||
| African | 55 | 0.57% | 20 | 0.21% | 25 | 0.25% | 15 | 0.16% | 15 | 0.15% | 55 | 0.66% | 10 | 0.12% | 0 | 0% | |||
| Latin American | 45 | 0.46% | 20 | 0.21% | 25 | 0.25% | 10 | 0.11% | 40 | 0.41% | 0 | 0% | 10 | 0.12% | 5 | 0.06% | |||
| Middle Eastern[d] | 0 | 0% | 10 | 0.1% | 0 | 0% | 10 | 0.11% | 0 | 0% | 0 | 0% | 10 | 0.12% | 5 | 0.06% | |||
| Other/Multiracial[e] | 20 | 0.21% | 20 | 0.21% | 0 | 0% | 10 | 0.11% | 10 | 0.1% | 0 | 0% | — | — | — | — | |||
| Total responses | 9,685 | 97.94% | 9,685 | 98.04% | 9,830 | 98.23% | 9,175 | 98.38% | 9,845 | 98.02% | 8,375 | 98.9% | 8,100 | 98.68% | 8,260 | 98.83% | |||
| Total population | 9,889 | 100% | 9,879 | 100% | 10,007 | 100% | 9,326 | 100% | 10,044 | 100% | 8,468 | 100% | 8,208 | 100% | 8,358 | 100% | |||
| Note: Totals greater than 100% due to multiple origin responses | |||||||||||||||||||
According to the2021 census, religious groups in Quesnel included:[3]
| Religious group | 2021[3] | 2011[14] | 2001[16] | 1991[18] | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pop. | % | Pop. | % | Pop. | % | Pop. | % | |
| Christian | 3,260 | 33.66% | 4,200 | 42.73% | 5,230 | 53.15% | 4,525 | 55.86% |
| Sikh | 185 | 1.91% | 355 | 3.61% | 695 | 7.06% | 970 | 11.98% |
| Hindu | 70 | 0.72% | 55 | 0.56% | 100 | 1.02% | 50 | 0.62% |
| Buddhist | 15 | 0.15% | 30 | 0.31% | 70 | 0.71% | 0 | 0% |
| Indigenous spirituality | 10 | 0.1% | 20 | 0.2% | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Muslim | 0 | 0% | 0 | 0% | 20 | 0.2% | 0 | 0% |
| Jewish | 0 | 0% | 0 | 0% | 0 | 0% | 20 | 0.25% |
| Other religion | 90 | 0.93% | 100 | 1.02% | 40 | 0.41% | 15 | 0.19% |
| Irreligious | 6,050 | 62.47% | 5,060 | 51.48% | 3,690 | 37.5% | 2,515 | 31.05% |
| Total responses | 9,685 | 97.94% | 9,830 | 98.23% | 9,840 | 97.97% | 8,100 | 98.68% |
Quesnel is a city known for its forestry, particularly the production of pulp and lumber. Forestry is the single biggest employer in Quesnel.[23] Quesnel is home to aBleached Chemi-ThermoMechanical Pulp (BCTMP) mill that was built in 1981, and a NBSK (northern bleached softwood kraft) pulp mill that started production in 1972. The BCTMP mill is currently 100% owned byWest Fraser Timber, and the NBSK mill is a 50 / 50 joint venture between West Fraser and Mercer International. There is also a large sawmill, a plywood mill, and a MDF plant all owned and operated by West Fraser Timber. West Fraser started in Quesnel in the 1950s, and is now the largest manufacturer of wood products in North America, with operations also in Europe.[citation needed]
Quesnel's city government consists of a seven-member council, that is one mayor and six councillors. The current city council, elected in 2022 for a four-year term, is composed of mayor Ron Paul and councillors Scott Elliott, Tony Goulet, Debora McKelvie, Laurey-Anne Roodenburg, Martin Runge, and Mitch Vik.[24][25]
Quesnel is part ofSchool District 28, which contains several elementary schools, as well as a junior and a senior secondary school (Quesnel Junior High School and Correlieu Senior Secondary School respectively). Also, within the school district is McNaughton Centre which is an Alternate High school. For post secondary education, Quesnel has theCollege of New Caledonia andUniversity of Northern British Columbia shared campus, which offers several programs, including four year nursing and social work degrees, foundation or apprenticeship-level trades certification, health sciences, human services, academic upgrading, or industry and continuing education courses. The Quesnel CNC Campus also offers students the chance to start arts or sciences degrees and then, transfer to university.
Quesnel is served by theQuesnel Airport, with several commercial flights daily to and fromVancouver. The city has a local transit system provided byBC Transit.
Quesnel is served by GR Baker Memorial Hospital.[26]
A new emergency section was added to the hospital on 14 April 2023.[27] This increased the overall size of the hospital as well as making it easier for patients to move from building to building.
Quesnel's tourism industry is largely based on the city's access to nature, with hunting and guiding outfitters, fishing, hiking, canoeing.[6] TheRocky Mountaineer, arail-tour train also travels through and stops overnight at Quesnel at thePacific Great Eastern Railway Station, owned byBC Rail.
Quesnel's history as a gold-rush town is also reflected, as there are over 30 heritage sites around the city.[28] Quesnel is home to the world's largest gold pan,[29] measured at 5.5 m (18 ft) in diameter and weighing 1,400 kg (3,100 lb), although this is disputed byNome, Alaska. As of 2020 the gold pan resides in its new location, one deemed controversial, near the local Visitor Centre and Museum.[30] Quesnel is also the closest city toBarkerville, the largest historic site western North America, and epicentre of theCariboo Gold Rush.[31]
Troll Ski Resort, or simply Troll, is located 44 km (27 mi) east of the city.[32] Quesnel is also home toHallis Lake Cross Country Skiing Facility, a 75 km (47 mi) network of trails maintained by the Cariboo Ski Touring Club for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.[33] In addition,Ten Mile Lake Provincial Park,Pinnacles Provincial Park, andDragon Mountain Provincial Park are also located just outside the city.
Quesnel Museum is home to numerous artifacts, including Mandy, a "haunted doll" made in the early 20th century that is claimed to have paranormal abilities and eyes that follow visitors around.[34] Mandy appeared onThe Montel Williams Show.[35]
There are twenty-three decorated fire hydrants in the streets of Quesnel. This work was sponsored by the local businesses in the vicinity of the hydrants.[36]
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Quesnel is home to the Central Interior Hockey League's Quesnel Kangaroos Senior AA hockey team. The team plays at the West Fraser Centre in Quesnel. The city was formerly home to theQuesnel Millionaires, aBritish Columbia Hockey League (BCHL) team, before they relocated toChilliwack as theChilliwack Chiefs in 2011.
Quesnel also hassoccer,airsoft andpaintball, minorbaseball,softball,lacrosse,ringette,roller derby, andfootball leagues. AMountain biking skills park is located behind the Arts and Recreation Centre and West Quesnel has a skateboard park known as the Quesnel Skatepark.
Nearby communities, not part of the City of Quesnel, include:
*
Quesnel travel guide from Wikivoyage
