Here are some highlights from the April 8, 2024, City Council meeting. For more information – including the full agenda listing – read the Regular Council Meeting Agenda and the reports.
Standing committee on Public Safety
Council received a report from the Mayor on the establishment of a Standing Committee on Public Safety. The terms of reference were also provided to council.
The purpose of the committee is to “undertake observation and collection on crime statistics and to explore solutions through tested best practices learned from local and other jurisdictions in order to address public safety issues facing downtown Prince George including the area east of Queensway.” Mayor Yu stated, “the goal of the committee is to make every citizen to feel safe.”
The committee will be made up of seven members, which includes the mayor, three members of council and three members from the community as appointed by the mayor. The meetings will also have non-voting representation from City administration, Downtown Prince George, and RCMP.
Accessibility improvement grant
Council gave approval for the City to accept grant funding from the Rick Hansen Foundation (RHF) for an additional $82,500.
Council previously approved the Accessibility Improvements capital budget amount of $150,000 in 2023. The RHF accessibility program has provided the additional grant funding for use in combination with the previously approved budget funding source to expand the RHF funded accessibility improvement project.
This grant money will be used to pursue accessibility improvements at City Hall and Two Rivers Art Gallery. These accessibility improvements are included in Administration’s 2023- 2026 Accessibility Workplan and will provide meaningful universal access in these publicly accessible civic facilities.
Air quality
Following a letter to Council from a resident of the Millar Addition regarding the air quality in that neighbourhood, council directed staff to refer the letter to PG Air and request that PG Air present to Council as a delegation at a future council meeting.
Community Safety town hall proposed
A notice of motion was put forward with a recommendation that council hosts a Community Safety Town Hall meeting on May 1st. The goal of the meeting is to provide an opportunity for community members, business owners, and other stakeholders to share their concerns, ask questions, and share ideas with key City of Prince George staff and members of Council in addressing the encampments, and complex social issues throughout our community.
The Notice of Motion also recommends a budget of up to $20,000 from the Council Contingency Fund expenses directly related to the meeting, such as venue and advertising.
The notice of motion will now be included on the next council agenda, scheduled for April 22, where it will be considered and put to a vote.
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Claire Thwaites, senior communications advisor
Mobile: 778-349-1386
Email: media@princegeorge.ca