Council meeting summary - March 27, 2023

Here are some highlights from the March 27, 2023 City Council Meeting. For more information – including the full agenda listing – consult the March 27, 2023 Regular Council Meeting Agenda and its attachments.

Update on Council Resolution to Engage with Provincial Ministries

• Council approved a letter to Premier David Eby seeking direction on the next steps to be taken to address Prince George’s housing, health, and public safety challenges.
• Council asked that the letter include an additional element requesting opportunities to meet with Cabinet officials or other key ministerial figures when they visit Prince George.
• The letter requests a meeting with provincial government representatives alongside agencies and individuals and locally-elected provincial and federal representatives.
• This is the third letter to be sent to Premier Eby on this issue and will be signed by all Council members.

Meetings with Other Locally Elected Officials

• Council approved invitations to locally-elected provincial (MLAs) and Federal (MPs) officials, the Chief and Council of the Lheidli T’enneh and senior administrative officials, and School Board No. 57 elected and senior administrative officials to attend regular informal meetings intended to establish and maintaining strong relations between organizations.

Evaluating Safety, Cleanliness, and Inclusion Initiatives – Final Report

• Council received an update  on a framework for use in evaluating the City’s safety, cleanliness, and inclusion services.
• The framework reviews services and reports results related to strategic learning, systems change, and desired outcomes.
•  The $96,000 initiative was funded through the provincial 2021/2022 Strengthening Communities’ Services grant stream.
• Administration is acting on operational recommendations to the extent possible and will use the framework to evaluate additional services.

Community to Community Forum Update

• The City is tentatively planning to host a Community to Community Forum in September 2023 that will include the Lheidli T’enneh First Nation Chief and Council, the City of Prince George Council, the Regional District of Fraser-Fort George Board, and associated senior administration members.
• Community to Community Forums (C2C Forums) are designed to enable local governments and First Nations to connect and build relationships by jointly hosting forums to discuss common issues, challenges, and mutual opportunities.
• Administration is also planning a follow-up “Staff to Staff Forum” (S2S Forum) in October 2023 for senior staff from all three organizations.

Hydrogen Hub

• Council authorized Administration to enter into a shared cost arrangement with the Province for the development of a regional hydrogen hub.
• The BC Hydrogen Office will allocate $150,000 from the BC Hydrogen Strategy Implementation budget over two years (ending December 31, 2024) to support the City in producing a permitting case study report, investor resources, engagement opportunities, and a summary report of lessons learned and recommendations for next steps.

BC Growing Communities Fund (GCF) Grant and Reserve Fund Establishment Bylaw

• Council approved the receipt of a provincial grant of nearly $12.5 million, which will be transferred to the BC Growing Communities Reserve Fund and be included in the 2023-2027 Financial Plan.
• Council gave first three readings to the “BC Growing Communities Reserve Fund Establishment Bylaw No. 9392, 2023”.
• The funding is meant to be put towards required infrastructure and amenities and not ongoing operational activities.
• Asset types the money can be used for are broad. Eligible items include childcare facilities, water treatment/distribution facilities, storm water management, natural hazard mitigation, sidewalks, local road improvements.
• Options for use of these funds will be considered during the 2024 budget deliberations.