FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Prince George, B.C. – The City of Prince George launched an alternate approval process (AAP) to seek approval from residents to borrow $30 million for five capital projects. The process is open today until June 2 at 5 p.m.
At the February 23 meeting, Council authorized the AAP and allowed staff to seek funding from the Municipal Finance Authority (MFA) for the following:
- Equipment financing ($4 million): the annual replacement of vehicles and capital equipment are financed through the MFA equipment financing program. The approved projects from the 2026-2030 Capital Plan include mobile equipment replacement, self-contained breathing apparatus replacement, new CN Centre Zamboni ice resurfacer, 18th Avenue City Yard overhead crane replacement, and library mechanical room hoist replacement.
- Stormwater system renewal ($2.5 million): the annual program relines and replaces old assets to lower operating costs and bring assets up to current code and standards. The renewal program includes, stormwater green infrastructure, ponds, outfalls, storm mains, culverts, catch basins, manholes, service connections, flood pumps, etc. Renewing the stormwater system is essential to prevent flooding, erosion, sedimentation/degradation of water quality and negative impact on aquatic life.
- CN Centre building envelope renewal ($15.86 million): the project will repair exterior walls to stop water infiltration, improve energy efficiency, and extend the service life of the building. New exterior fixtures will last up to 50 years. More details about this project are available on the City website.
- Memorial Park cemetery expansion ($5.15 million): this multi-year project will focus on design and development of the northwest corner of the property. This expansion is essential to ensure the continued availability of burial services for the community in the coming decades, as there is only an estimated five to seven years of available grave space remaining.
- Civic Facilities roof replacements ($2.45 million): the 2026 program will see the replacement of three roofs and associated accessories where required at the Connaught Youth Centre, Kin atrium and Kin 3 dressing room. This totals more than 29,950 square feet of roofing area in poor or very poor condition.
What is an AAP and why does the City use this method?
Local governments must get approval from eligible voters before moving forward with certain decisions, such as long-term capital borrowing. To participate in the AAP, residents submit a response form to oppose the proposed borrowing. If at least 10 per cent of eligible voters submit a form (approximately 5,767 votes), the item would then go back to council to decide on next steps (either proceeding with a referendum or halting the bylaw). Elector response forms are available on the City’s website and at City Hall (Service Centre, 1st Floor, or Legislative Services, 5th Floor). Completed forms can be submitted in person, by mail, email (cityclerk@princegeorge.ca), or fax (250-561-0183) by June 2 at 5 p.m.
AAPs are more cost-effective than a referendum. A referendum on this issue would cost roughly $120,000, whereas AAP costs are absorbed within existing business unit budgets. Referendums are also more often used for brand new infrastructure such as the 2017 referendum for the Fire Hall #1 and Four Seasons Leisure Pool replacement loan authorization bylaws.
More information about the process is available on the City website at princegeorge.ca/AAP.
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Media contact:
Kendall Robertson, senior communications advisor
Mobile: 778-349-5393
Email: media@princegeorge.ca