A delegation from community groups to provide Council with information on a “mega park” in the city, a report on Prince George’s future housing needs, and additional provincial funding for a much-needed local childcare centre were all on the agenda for the March 14 meeting of Council.
Construction of College Heights childcare centre to proceed
The City of Prince George’s Childcare Needs Assessment conducted in 2019 identified a significant need for daycare spaces in Prince George and last night the City addressed that need with the approval of construction of a second daycare. The daycare is fully funded through a grant from the Province of BC for $5,061,038.
The as-yet-unnamed childcare centre at 8008 Malaspina Avenue will feature 83 spaces:
- 24 spaces for infants and toddlers.
- 25 spaces for children aged 30 months to school age.
- 24 spaces for school-aged children.
- 10 pre-school spaces (for 20 preschoolers attending on a part-time schedule).
‘Mega park’ delegation
Representatives from the Prince George Community Foundation, Rotary Club of Prince George, and Colliers Project Leaders appeared before Council to provide an overview of their on-going efforts to fundraise for a large and comprehensive new park in the city. According to the presenters, the park would include a Red Bull Certified Pump Track that will allow for world-class competitions to be held in Prince George. The park would also feature a splash park, a teen-adventure park, seniors fitness equipment, and shelters throughout the area. Council directed Administration to continue working with the project organizers and to bring back further information on city related costs needed to supply a site, utilities to the site and ongoing maintenance costs to Council at a future date.
Building permit boom continuing unabated
So far this year, 37 building permits worth over 36-million dollars have been issued as of the end of February according to a staff report presented to Council. This continues a well-established trend established in the past few years. Last year, building permit values registered at the City of Prince George climbed to record heights in 2021 driven largely by private sector multi-family housing construction. Traditionally, building permit values are an important economic indicator.
2021 City of Prince George Housing Needs Report
Council was presented with findings from the 2021 Housing Needs Report, which was generated from a Housing Needs Assessment conducted in 2021 to help the City, residents, and local organizations better to understand the current and future housing needs and gaps in Prince George. The report identified gaps in housing in virtually every category for the city’s long-term needs. The report will be distributed to stakeholders and agencies that can support the City in attracting new developments in order to minimize or eliminate these needs. The information contained in the Housing Needs Report will be highly useful for Administration, developers, and support agencies in creating policy and/or planning for future projects.
Notice of Motion Condemning Hate, Racism, and Discrimination
Councillors Garth Frizzell and Susan Scott brought forward a Notice of Motion to Council that the City of Prince George condemns hate and racism in all its forms, and reaffirms its commitment to the principles of the Canadian Cities Against Racism and Discrimination. Council approved the motion unanimously and directed staff to review the commitments of the Coalition of Inclusive Municipalities and return a report in mid-June with concrete recommendations on next steps forward.
Relocation and refurbishment of Terry Fox statue
Administration presented a proposal to repair and refurbish the Terry Fox statue, currently located in Community Foundation Park downtown near 7th and Dominion, prior to its relocation to the site of the new pool, currently under construction. Council voted to authorize Administration to utilize the Festival/Discovery Place Trust Fund to repair and refurbish the statue prior to its relocation to the site of the new pool. Re-casting the artwork in bronze for a cost of roughly $24,000 provides the opportunity to create a more durable and interactive piece for the public to enjoy. Council also authorized Administration to utilize any remaining amounts in the Fund for the purposes of repairing and/or refurbishing City-owned public art in the downtown.
Patio procedure coming to Council
Following a letter from the Prince George Chamber of Commerce presented as part of the meeting agenda, staff informed Council they have been working on a streamlined process for patio approvals for the 2022 season. Council directed Administration to return with information about impending improvements to the patio procedure for local businesses.