Here are some highlights from the October 21, 2024, City Council meeting. For more information – including the full agenda listing – read the Regular Council Meeting Agenda and its attachments.
Psychiatric Care Facility
Following two separate notices of motion submitted at the October 7 council meeting on the same topic, council were presented an amalgamated version for consideration.
Council voted to direct the Intergovernmental Affairs Committee to engage in advocacy in support of the establishment of a secure psychiatric care facility in Prince George. This facility would support individuals requiring complex psychiatric, addictions, and mental health care, reducing the burden on existing hospital and healthcare infrastructure.
Council endorsed Dr Barbara Kane’s petition to the provincial government and Northern Health for the development of a psychiatric hospital in northern BC. These resolutions will be forwarded to the North Central Local Government Association (NCLGA) and the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) as part of the council’s advocacy and communications strategy.
Bi-annual town hall proposal
Council has approved three recommendations relating to town hall public engagement events.
In a report to council it was proposed that two town hall type events be held each year, one in the Fall in relation to the annual budget planning, and one in the Spring that will be flexible in regards to the topic and the nature of the event. This proposal responds to council's July 22nd directive to improve public engagement through bi-annual town hall meetings.
An additional $25,000 was approved to be added to the communications budget to allow for the appropriate funding of the engagement events, including advertising and audio costs.
TELUS to build new wireless communications facility
Council received a request for concurrence regarding the development of a telecommunications facility by TELUS, including a 19.1 metre monopole and ancillary radio equipment.
The proposed location is 2527 Redfield Place.
Council approved instructing the Corporate Officer to notify Innovation, Science, and Economic Development Canada that TELUS has met the consultation requirements and that the City concurs with the proposal.
This follows the news from the September 9 meeting where TELUS had two other requests for towers on Kelly Road North and Milwaukee Way.
September building permit summary
Council received a building permit and development permit summary for September with 34 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 August total is made up of seven commercial/industrial permits and 27 residential permits, worth a combined total of $6.16 million.
The year-to-date total as at the end of September is 322 permits worth a combined $212.9 million. The year-to-date total for the previous year 2023 was 307 permits totaling $127.3 million.
- 30 -
Media contact:
Claire Thwaites, senior communications advisor
Mobile: 778-349-1386
Email: media@princegeorge.ca