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Downtown Service Enhancements Update

Council received a report on Jan. 11, 2021 detailing assessments of downtown service enhancements implemented in 2020 and feedback from the Select Committee on a Safe, Clean, and Inclusive Community.

The enhancements were part of a multi-department service package approved by Council on Feb. 24, 2020 intended to augment safety, cleanliness, and social inclusiveness in the Prince George's downtown core.

For more information:

Download the Jan. 11, 2021 Staff Report to Council [PDF]

Clean and Safe for All

The City of Prince George is working to create a clean and safe downtown environment to encourage new developments, help businesses thrive, and promote engaging events.

But we can't address issues like substance abuse, homelessness, drug-related property crimes, and mental health problems on our own.

This is why we're working with partner agencies such as Northern Health and other levels of government to improve conditions in the downtown.

What We're Doing

Increasing a dedicated RCMP presence in the downtown area.
Sending Bylaw Compliance Officers on daily patrols to help clean up illegal camps, discarded belongings, syringes, and other paraphernalia.
Removing derelict buildings.
Creating the Select Committee on a Safe, Clean, and Inclusive Community.

Visit the Select Committee page

Funding graffiti removal services on private property from May to October.
Suspending or cancelling business licenses that fail to comply with terms and conditions.
Increasing security presence at Civic facilities.

What Our Partners Are Doing

Creating a mental health crisis response team staffed by Northern Health and RCMP (Car 60).
Increasing the number and presence of outreach workers to connect the homeless with housing and services.
Offering Sharps Container service for businesses.

Working in Partnership

Introducing new initiatives such as homeless service hubs that provide temporary storage and other services that contribute to cleanliness and safety.
Developing housing with on-site health services such as specialized mental health and substance use services.
Putting together a Downtown Clean Team to pick up litter six days a week.

Homeless Service Hubs

In 2019, the City helped launched two new pilot projects in the downtown area aimed at providing washroom and storage access for vulnerable and homeless people.

The site at 181 Quebec street offers storage, washroom, and outreach services.
The second site at 144 George Street provides access to storage, washroom, shower, laundry, and outreach services.

The City has partnered with BC Housing, the Prince George Native Friendship Centre, and the Association Advocating for Women and the Community (AWAC) to provide these critical services.

Beds inside the 144 George Street hub.

181 Quebec Street hub.

Storage units inside the Quebec Street hub.

Affordable Housing and Healthcare Partnership

The City of Prince George, BC Housing, and Northern Health are working together to add affordable housing integrated with healthcare services to improve the downtown area and to serve its most vulnerable residents.

The project will provide up to 100 new, affordable, energy-efficient homes with support and services to help people recover and stay healthy. The proposed location is on 1st Avenue at the site currently occupied by NR Motors.

For more information:

Project Timeline

Public Information Session held on Sept. 11, 2019.
City of Prince George submits OCP Amendment and Rezoning Application.
Application referred to internal City divisions and external agencies. Additional information may be required.
City staff prepare report for Council with recommendation.
Council considers application for first and second reading (Dec. 16, 2019).

Public meeting and Request for Comment - OCP Amendment on Jan. 15, 2020.
Public Hearing Notification (10 days prior to Public Hearing date: delivery, newspaper, and sign on property).
Public Hearing and Council consideration of third reading on Feb. 24, 2020.
Council considers application for final reading.

Partnership Roles

Leads the design and construction of supportive and affordable homes.
Oversees operation of housing units once construction complete.

Oversees delivery of primary and community-care health services as well as mental health and harm reduction services within BC Housing service spaces.
Services may be delivered by Northern Health directly or by other organizations.