Here are some highlights from the August 28, 2023, City Council meeting. For more information – including the full agenda listing – read the Regular Council Meeting Agenda and its attachments.
Fees & Charges bylaw
Council gave first three readings to amendments to the Fees and Charges Bylaw for 2024-2027.
The 2024- 2027 Fees and Charges adjustments in the report provided to council show proposed fee changes (that take place over four years) to a number of areas including solid waste, sewers, CN Centre and arenas, cemetery, aquatics and parking.
Council will consider final reading and adoption at the next council meeting scheduled for September 11.
Relief funding for explosion damage
Council directed staff to bring a report back looking at options for providing emergency grant funding through Downtown Prince George (DPG) for buildings damaged during the explosion at the 400 block of Dominion Street last Tuesday (22 August).
The motion directs administration to return a report to Council with options to work with DPG to establish an emergency grant program in the amount of up to $20,000 for DPG to administer and disperse.
The Council Contingency fund is an option being considered for this, with the fund having approximately $34,200 left for this year.
The City reported earlier this week that nine buildings surrounding the explosion site had their windows blown out and more than 50 businesses in the area had residual damage as a result of the explosion.
Tree removal to be explored
Following a record summer for bear sightings in the region, and correspondence received by the mayor and council members from a concerned citizen, Council directed administration to return a report to Council exploring options to reduce bear-human interactions including consideration of incentivizing fruit tree removal from private properties and other options.
Fruit trees are a known attractant for bears, and recently City bylaw reported they issued 41 tickets and 19 warnings in the past few months in relation to the wildlife attractant and garbage regulation bylaws.
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Media contact:
Claire Thwaites, senior communications advisor
Mobile: 778-349-1386
Email: media@princegeorge.ca