Building permit boom continuing
Council received a report from staff tallying the number and total value of building permits issued by the City of Prince George through the end of May. So far this year, more than $100 million in building permits have been issued, including nearly $60 Million in new multi-family units, and over $24 Million for new single-family dwellings. During the month of May alone, the City issued about $57 Million in permits, far exceeding the tallies for the same month in 2020 ($13.4 Million) and 2019 ($11.6 Million).
This is a continuing trend in Prince George and an important indicator of local economic performance. The value of building permits issued in Prince George in 2020 came within striking distance of the all-time annual record in spite of the economic uncertainty brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic. In addition, a recent review of building permits issued in the City of Prince George year-over-year reveals sustained growth in the number and value of new multi-family building permits, as well as the total number of new units being built in Prince George.
PG to welcome the world
- 2024 Para Biathlon & World Para Nordic Skiing Events
Council voted to approve a funding request from the Caledonia Nordic Ski Club to provide financial support of up to $250,000 towards hosting the 2024 Para Biathlon World Championships and World Para Nordic Skiing World Cup Finals. The funding would be distributed over a few years and is subject to the Club entering into a Sponsorship Agreement with the City. In 2019, the Caledonia Nordic Ski Club hosted the 2019 World Para Nordic Skiing Championships, which was the first world championships presented in Prince George.
- 2022 Women’s World Curling Championships
City Council approved up to $200,000 for in-kind costs associated with hosting the Women’s World Curling Championships in 2022. The COVID-19 pandemic led to the cancelation of the 2020 WWCC just one day prior to the event beginning, in March 2020. Previously, the City of Prince George paid $300,000 to Curling Canada to host the 2020 WWCC in Prince George, an amount that Curling Canada has agreed to carry forward.
Public safety bylaws
Council gave first three readings to a new Safe Streets Bylaw, which addresses behaviour on streets and sidewalks such as aggressive panhandling, loitering, littering, sidewalk obstruction, graffiti, open drug use, needle disposal, as well as the creation of structures, temporary shelters, and campfires on streets and sidewalks. The bylaw still requires final reading at the next meeting of Council in order to be official.
Council also considered an option to amend the City’s Parks and Open Spaces Bylaw. Currently, this bylaw restricts camping at City parks and open areas, but an amendment was contemplated to designate area(s) where overnight camping could occur under certain limits, while also clarifying the City’s authority to remove people who are camping, creating fires, consuming alcohol, and engaging in nuisance activities in parks and open spaces. A motion to pursue an amendment was defeated.
Council did agree to advocate for additional barrier-free housing options in Prince George. This would involve Council’s intergovernmental resolutions committee, the Union of BC Municipalities, and direct communications with provincial government officials.
Prince George Playhouse repair
City Council approved funding for a temporary repair operation on the Prince George Playhouse’s existing façade with a budget of $140,000. Council also approved funding for upgrades to the theatrical rigging components in the Prince George Playhouse to current safety standards with a budget of $271,500. Late last year, staff discovered extensive building envelope rot at the failure that was beyond minimal repair. Further planning in support of an overall performing arts strategy will be necessary to determine if the current playhouse will require dedicated reinvestment funds directed to the building and site renewal.
All of the reports associated with the June 14, 2021 Council meeting are posted with the agenda on the City website.