Building Permit Boom Continuing
Building permit values in Prince George continue the dramatic rise in valuation seen in the city in recent years. Year to date in 2022, there have been over $73 Million in building permits issued in the city, well up from roughly $53 Million in 2021, and about $22 Million in 2020.
The increasing value reflects the rise in global construction markets and materials and are a key economic indicator of a healthy local economy.
Canfor Leisure Pool
A well-known name brand, corporate citizen, and long-time employer in Prince George and Northern BC will have naming rights to the City's new downtown pool. When it opens later this year, the new aquatic facility will be called the Canfor Leisure Pool after Canadian Forests Products Ltd.’s (Canfor’s) successful bid in the City's recently concluded Request for Expressions of Interest for naming rights to the new facility. The agreement, which was officially approved by Council during its Monday meeting, provides the City with annual revenue of $75,000 for five years, amounting to a total of $375,000, with a mutual renewal term of a further five years at $75,000 per year.
Operation of the Canfor Leisure Pool
Staff provided Council with a preview of what the operation of the new pool facility will look like. The Canfor Leisure Pool will distinguish itself from the Aquatic Centre by the pool amenities and programs being offered encouraging customers to use both pool facilities regularly. Review of pool visits and program usage will occur regularly allowing for operational adjustment to ensure the highest levels of service while operating in a cost efficient manner.
The recruitment and selection for a minimum of 30 new employees including lifeguard, cashier and maintenance positions will occur over the months of May to August. Full operations including drop-in admissions, swimming lessons, and aquafit will be available on the City’s website, and widely communicated to the public. A formal grand opening date and event will also be planned.
The hours of operation for the new pool during the fall/winter and spring season are comparable to what the Four Seasons Leisure Pool hours had been.
Pool Project Update
Council received a progress report on the construction of the new downtown pool, now known as the Canfor Leisure Pool. The project is within scope and 84% complete and the facility is expected to open by the fall of 2022. Council approved a budget amendment of $2,876,000 to cover unexpected cost increases as reported to Council in 2021 and identified through further budget analysis in 2022. A subsequent update will be provided to Council on the project budget in late summer 2022, closer to the scheduled construction completion date.
City to Build Renewable Natural Gas Facility at Treatment PlantM
Staff provided Council with information related to a proposed grant application for the construction of a renewable natural gas (RNG) conditioning plant at the Lansdowne Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTC) and obtained the necessary budget in order to complete the work.
The wastewater treatment plant currently produces an average of 3000 cubic meters of biogas per day. Under current operating conditions, 1800 cubic meters is used by the WWTC with the remaining gas being flared. Fortis BC has approached the City of Prince George and is interested in purchasing the biogas and converting it into renewable natural gas (RNG). The new RNG conditioning system will process the biogas into RNG for sale to Fortis, rather than flaring (burning off) the excess biogas.
The project must not start construction until after final federal approval is received. The City’s contribution to the project will need to be secured prior to approval of the project. Council approved the budget of $3,500,000 from the Sewer Capital Expenditure Reserve requested by City Administration in order to complete the RNG Plant at the WWTC. Council also authorized the City to submit an application under the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program – British Columbia - CleanBC Communities Fund, for the construction of the plant.
All of the reports and documents associated with the May 9 meeting of Council can be found on the meeting agenda.