Linda Nelson campaigns for Quesnel council seat, pledges focus on West Quesnel development

A key priority for Nelson is increasing investment and attention in West Quesnel, an area she believes has been overlooked despite its significant contribution to the community.

Nelson referred to West Quesnel as a “donor neighbourhood,” arguing that it is home to roughly 40 per cent of the city’s population and contributes a substantial share of property tax revenues while receiving comparatively little investment in return.

“I would like to be an advocate for West Quesnel development,” she said. “I would hope there would be other people that were on my team when I did that.”

Nelson noted that West Quesnel was once an independent municipality before amalgamating with the City of Quesnel. She said she believes the area has not seen the same level of development as other parts of the city in the years since.

She pointed to housing as an area where improvements are needed, saying many of the apartment buildings in West Quesnel are aging and in need of renewal. Nelson said she wants to represent the interests of tenants, landlords and property developers as the community looks for new housing opportunities.

“We have so much possibility and so much potential for progress,” she said.

Nelson also said she would like to see the city take a more proactive approach to encouraging development rather than waiting for opportunities to emerge on their own. As an example, she pointed to residential growth in Prince George’s Hart neighbourhood, which she said demonstrates the kind of planning and development she would like to see take place in West Quesnel.

“I look with envy at the way the Hart is being developed in Prince George,” Nelson said.

Looking ahead, Nelson believes the community needs a clearer vision for West Quesnel’s future. While not advocating for separation from the city, she said the area would benefit from a more defined development strategy and stronger representation at the council table.

“There needs to be a definition of what’s going to be happening for West Quesnel going forward,” she said. “And I want to be part of that. That’s why I want to be elected.”

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Email: Adam.Berls@pattisonmedia.com

by Adam Berls

Linda Nelson campaigns for Quesnel council seat, pledges focus on West Quesnel development

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