Here are some highlights from the April 22, 2024, City Council meeting. For more information – including the full agenda listing – read the Regular Council Meeting Agenda and its attachments.
Temporary use permit for BC Housing project
Council approved a temporary use permit for 397 3rd Avenue, the site of a proposed transitional housing facility by BC Housing.
In January, Council approved the site preparation costs, which included grading work and site service connections. BC Housing’s proposal for the site includes 43 units for overnight sheltering with additional amenity/storage trailers and washroom facilities.
The report to Council states the transitional shelter facility will be staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This temporary supportive housing project also includes safety and security measures such as regular walk-throughs of the property, fencing, lighting, and security cameras.
The supportive housing temporary use permit is valid for up to three years. Along with the approval of the temporary use permit was the lease agreement and servicing agreement between the City and BC Housing.
City Council approves Aquatic Centre upgrades
City Council approved funding for a number of improvements and upgrades to the Prince George Aquatic Centre. The approval includes phase one which increases the project budget for the mechanical/building envelope (exterior) upgrade from $8.5 million to $14.88 million. The extra $6.3 million for phase one comes from provincial grant funding to improve energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program – CleanBC Communities Fund.
In a report to Council, it was explained that phase one has been delayed due to Covid-19 shutdowns and the BC Summer Games in 2022.
Additional enhancements and repairs that were approved on April 22 total $22.15 million and are split into five phases:
- Phase 1(a) and (1b) – Option to further improve energy efficiency through phase 1a ($1.3 million) and phase 1b ($1.85 million).
- Phase 2 – Repairs to the structural steel/columns and dive tank sparger system. Replacement of main entry soffits, curtain wall, and air handling units cooling coils. Addition of energy recovery on air handling units. Budget estimate: $7.9 million
- Phase 3 – Replacement of health/life safety items including deck, lobby and visitor area tile, handrails, plumbing fixtures, fire alarm system and sprinkler heads. Budget estimate: $4.5 million
- Phase 4 – Replacement of moveable bulkheads, change room tiles, overhead and underwater light fixtures and emergency system lighting, in addition to interior repainting, hydronic piping reconfiguration, increased access controls, accessibility improvements, and reconfigured reception desk. Budget estimate: $6.6 million
The City still requires approval from the public on the borrowing of the $22.15 million and a report will be presented to council at the next meeting with options as to how best fulfil that obligation.
The Aquatic Centre was built in 1998, it operates seven days a week with over 240,000 visitors annually.
Council also added a motion to examine the funding model at an upcoming Finance and Audit Committee meeting to determine how best to fund this work.
Design work on phase one is underway, and construction is expected to commence in mid-2025.
Community safety town hall going ahead
Council approved a notice of motion recommending that they host a community safety town hall meeting. The goal of the meeting is to provide an opportunity for community members, business owners, and other interested parties to share their concerns, ask questions, and share ideas with key City staff and members of Council to address encampments and complex social issues throughout our community.
The original notice of motion suggested May 1st as the proposed date but was amended to be some time in the month of May to allow more time for planning.
A budget of up to $20,000 from the Council Contingency Fund for direct expenses such as venue, audio equipment, advertising was also approved. The motion also included a follow up workshop take place and a report back to Council with actionable items.
March building permit summary
Council received a building permit and development permit summary for March, with 32 permits issued for the month. The report includes all residential, commercial, industrial, and institutional permits, and the estimated total construction value of each development.
The March total is made up of one commercial/industrial permit and 31 residential permits, worth a combined total of $6.325 million. The year-to-date total as at the end of March is 104 permits worth a combined $41.8 million.
This year-to-date figure is up from the previous two years in terms of permit numbers, but down in value. In 2023, the year-to-date at the end of March was 61 permits totalling $46.64 million. In 2022, it was 98 permits totalling $59.13 million.
Update from the Palliative Care Society
Council received a presentation from Donna Flood, the executive director of the Prince George Hospice Palliative Care Society.
The strategic goals of the society were shared with Council, including their goal to begin construction on a new Palliative Care Centre by 2028.
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Media contact:
Claire Thwaites, senior communications advisor
Mobile: 778-349-1386
Email: media@princegeorge.ca