Here are some highlights from the November 3, 2025, City Council meeting. For more information – including the full agenda listing – read the Regular Council Meeting Agenda and its attachments.
Citizen recognition program
Council received a report from the Select Committee on Citizen Recognition Program seeking approval on the implementation of the program.
The Select Committee on Citizen Recognition has finalized a framework for the new Prince George Medal of Excellence and Good Citizenship, which will honour up to three individuals each year for outstanding contributions in leadership, innovation, impact, courage, and generosity. Managed by the Prince George Community Foundation, the program will launch in January 2026, with awards presented in mid-spring. Each recipient will receive a custom-designed medal, lapel pin, and recognition in a legacy garden at the David Douglas Botanical Garden, supported by a $1,000 City donation in their name. Recipients will be celebrated at a special Council meeting and featured on the City’s website and a commemorative plaque in City Hall.
Council approved contributing $5000 from their 2025 contingency fund to support program implementation, and then $10,000 in the 2026 Budget as a tax-levy-funded item to support the ongoing operation of the program.
Asset management disposal
Council discussed a Notice of Motion regarding Purchasing Bylaw No. 8841, specifically around section 5.3, 'Disposition of Surplus Assets'.
Council approved the recommendations on the notice of motion that asks administration to provide further clarity on how surplus City assets are disposed of. The proposed updates would include:
- Establishing clear and transparent criteria for selecting non-profit organizations to receive donated City assets;
- Adding provisions for Council review of assets with historical or cultural significance; and
- Clarifying the terms “formal” and “informal” processes used in the bylaw for asset disposal.
Capital projects update
Council received an update on the progress of the City’s 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.
The 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 2025 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
The report aims to keep council and the public informed regarding municipal spending.
This came after a number of quarter three reports were also shared with council in the same meeting, including consultant spending, council contingency and procurement.
Correspondence related to pool maintenance
Council approved two motions in response to a letter of correspondence following the announcement that the Aquatic Centre will close on January 1 for a two year upgrade project.
To improve amenities at the Canfor Leisure Pool during this period, Council directed staff to install a bathing suit dryer, unless extraordinary measures are required. If challenges arise, staff will bring a report back to Council outlining options.
Council also directed administration to work toward a temporary arrangement with the Northern Sports Centre, allowing Aquatic Centre gym members to access the facility at a comparable cost for the duration of the closure. Additionally, the City will engage with the YMCA to share information about its low-cost access programs and explore opportunities to support or transition affected Aquatic Centre members who prefer an inner-city option.
Committee of the whole grant funding approval
Council approved the Committee of the Whole recommendations made at the October 14, 2025 Committee of the Whole Meeting.
The recommendations, which were focused on grant funding review, included a number of suggested improvements aiming to improve impact, equity, and administrative efficiency.
Recommended Improvements include:
- Council to identify and confirm one to two annual priority focus areas to align funding with key community needs.
- Limit eligibility to organizations with annual operating budgets under $100,000.
- Require applicants to directly serve a minimum of 100 residents annually.
- Restrict eligibility to organizations offering programs or services on a regular (daily, weekly, or monthly) basis.
- Exclude organizations that have low-cost or subsidized City leases, or those already receiving multi-year standing grants.
The Committee also made recommendations regarding the City’s Multiyear Standing Grants program. Council amended the recommendation to remove the words “excluding the Prince George Native Friendship Centre for storage services at the homeless hub.”
As amended, the recommendation now includes all existing grant recipients, transitioning them to Standing Grant Agreements (Stream A) under the Multiyear Funding Grants Council Policy.
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