Council meeting summary - May 8, 2023

Type(s)
Media Releases
Council Media Release

Here are some highlights from the May 8, 2023 City Council meeting. For more information – including the full agenda listing – read the Regular Council Meeting Agenda and its attachments.

Grants Review - Phase 1: Discovery: Communications and Engagement Research and Recommendations

  • The City is undergoing a review of its grant programs to understand the needs of local not-for-profit (NFP) groups and ensure the programs are meeting the needs of the community.
  • Phase one is now complete. It focused on information gathering through several engagement opportunities including an ideas jam, online surveys, and focus groups. NFPs identified four key findings:
    1. City grant processes are working well and are appreciated.
    2. There are some administrative tasks that can be undertaken immediately to enhance effectiveness and efficiency.
    3. If substantive changes are made to the City’s granting processes, NFPs want to be consulted.
    4. The greatest opportunities for improvements to how the City supports NFP service delivery extend beyond the administration of grant programs.
  • City staff will create project team with representation from all involved divisions to review current practices to support NFP service delivery (e.g., service agreements, low-cost leases, in-kind services, etc.) and propose recommendations for Council consideration.

Roadway Traffic Marking Program - Paint Performance

  • Council received a report on road line markings for their information. Since 2009, the City has followed Environment Canada roadway paint regulations. The regulations state that paint with low concentrations of volatile organic compounds (VOC) must be used on municipal roadways between May 1 and October 15.  Low VOC products do not last as long as paint products used prior to the federal regulations and do not survive winter traffic and traction material applications. Paint alternatives are cost prohibitive.
  • Council approved a referral to the Standing Committee on Intergovernmental Affairs to advocate for federal support for northern communities’ line painting programs.

Rural Economic Diversification and Infrastructure Program (REDIP) Funding

  • Council authorized the City to sign an agreement with the Province to accept $165,000 in grant REDIP funding jointly with the Prince George Cycling Club (PGCC).  The funding supports the development of a Pidherny Recreation Area Master Plan. The PGCC (with support from both the City and the Recreation Sites and Trails Program) will take the lead on the contract procurement and contract management. 

Modification to Section 219 restrictive covenant registered as Land Title Office Document No. CA9074075 to allow for Development Permit Application No. DP100832

  • After receiving a feasibility study regarding seniors housing from the developer, Council denied an application to change the covenant on the 4500 Ospika Boulevard development from student housing to independent seniors’ housing.
  • The covenant on the property remains the same and requires 256 units of student housing to be built.

Encampment Update: Community Safety Options

  • Council approved changes to the Parks and Open Spaces bylaw to permit overnight sheltering at the Lower Patricia encampment area.
  • Council also approved several other community safety options, more details are provided in the May 9, 2023 media release.