Here are some highlights from the November 18, 2024, City Council meeting. For more information – including the full agenda listing – read the Regular Council Meeting Agenda and its attachments.
Significant capital projects report
Staff presented Council with a six-month update on significant capital projects. The report informs Council of the City’s capital budget and performance for significant projects over $1 million and currently indicates total capital expenditures are below the total approved budget allocation.
To keep Council and the public informed of municipal spending, this report includes status information on major, debt and endowment-funded initiatives, and covers active works for capital projects. Attached with the staff report is a 2024 project list that details, amongst other things:
- Project budget health and amendments
- Schedule health
- Forecasted completion dates
- Initial approval year
- Budgeted cost compared to actual cost
- Project update comments
Notable projects completed or underway so far in 2024:
- Mobile equipment replacement
- Aquatic Centre mechanical and building envelope upgrades
- John Hart Bridge Forcemain upgrade project
- Kin centre refrigeration upgrades
Community grants program update
Council received another update about the Community Grants Program as changes are being made to better support local Not-for-Profit (NFP) organizations, with implementation starting January 2025.
Following consultations with NFPs, the program will feature several grant streams, including project-based, operating, quick response, capacity-building, and pooled grants, with a total budget of $395,724 for 2025. Changes include flexible application periods, allowances for minor capital expenses, and streamlined processes for various grant types. Continuous engagement and feedback will guide improvements to ensure the program addresses community needs and aligns with the City’s 2023-2026 Strategic Plan for efficient service delivery.
Council first voted on the options for the future of grants in March.
October building permit summary
Council received a building permit and development permit summary for October with 31 permits issued for the month. The report includes all residential, commercial, industrial, and institutional permits, and the estimated total construction value of each development.
The October total is made up of five commercial/industrial permits and 26 residential permits, worth a combined total of $33.7 million. This continues the strong trend for the year.
The year-to-date total as at the end of October is 354 permits worth a combined $246.8 million. The year-to-date total for the previous year 2023 was 352 permits totaling $146.4 million.
Citizen Recognition Medal program
Council has agreed to establish a select committee made up of four members of council and three members of the public who will develop a plan for an annual City of Prince George citizen recognition program.
The notice of motion put forward explains the select committee will present a report to Council by the end of Q3 2025, aiming to launch the program for the 2026 cycle.
The program will honor individuals who have made significant contributions to the community in areas such as, but not limited to, arts, sports, volunteerism, philanthropy, social services, or heroism.
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Media contact:
Claire Thwaites, senior communications advisor
Mobile: 778-349-1386
Email: media@princegeorge.ca