Here are some highlights from the October 6, 2025, City Council meeting. For more information – including the full agenda listing – read the Regular Council Meeting Agenda and its attachments.
Stormwater infrastructure funding
Council considered a number of options regarding the dedicated Stormwater Infrastructure Fund and how best to implement this.
In 2024 there was a public survey asking residents to vote on how they thought the dedicated fund for stormwater management should be calculated. Following this survey, Council voted to proceed with option four which was to create a utility fee based on the actual measurement of the hard surface area in a sampling of all property types. Option four was the most popular with survey respondents, who said it seemed the most fair.
The report to council explained the first step in determining the stormwater fund fee structure was to measure the hard surfaces of properties within city limits. The City hired AECOM Canada to perform this work utilizing aerial photos and property information. Measurements for each residential property’s hard surface was completed and an average residential hard surface area was calculated equaling 304m2. This is known as 1 ERU or 1 billing unit. All residential dwellings will be charged based on one billing unit.
Council voted for the next steps to be to begin charging all properties on January 1, 2027 at less than the full funding level with phased increases over two years to reach the full funding level. They also requested a report back from administration with options of including a credit program in the funding model.
Asset Management strategy update
Council received an update on the City’s Asset Management Strategy & Improvement Plan (Roadmap).
Asset management guides data-driven decisions for maintaining and renewing infrastructure like roads, utilities, buildings, and parks.
Since the last update asset management strategy update in 2023, progress includes:
- Condition assessments for sidewalks, trails, and civic facilities.
- Launch of satellite leak detection for water and sewer networks.
- Continued participation in the Canadian Infrastructure Benchmarking Initiative.
- A new risk model for sewer forcemains to prioritize inspections.
- Completion of the Stormwater Asset Management Plan and analysis of funding needs.
- A Natural Asset Management pilot using AI and satellite imaging.
- Updated asset replacement cost estimates to improve capital planning.
Next steps include completing asset management plans for sanitary sewer and drinking water systems, continuing the leak detection program, conducting facility and road assessments, and developing a Civic Facilities Master Plan.
FIFA watch parties
Council received a report with information on hosting FIFA World Cup watch parties, outlining three types:
- Non-commercial (no license/fee): small community or business events under 1,000 people, no ticket sales or sponsors.
- Special non-commercial (license/fee required): larger free events over 1,000 people, hosted by public institutions, no sponsors.
- Commercial (license/fee and FIFA approval required): events with ticket sales, sponsorships, or promotions.
The Province of B.C. is inviting municipalities and First Nations to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) for public live match viewings as part of FIFA World Cup 2026 celebrations. Submitting an EOI shows interest but does not guarantee participation.
Council directed staff to prepare and submit an EOI by October 15, 2025. The proposal for the watch parties came to council on September 17 through a Notice of Motion.
Permissive tax exemptions
Council approved the first three readings of Bylaw No. 9504, 2024 in relation to the 2026 Permissive Tax Exemptions.
The total estimated value for the tax exemptions in the report’s recommendations is $2.2 million or 1.47% of the tax levy (based on 2025 tax rates and assessment values). Permissive tax exemption is a means for Council to support organizations within the community which further Council’s objectives of enhancing quality of life (economic, social, and cultural) and delivering services economically.
Provincial legislation provides statutory tax exemptions for places of worship. Permissive Tax Exemptions are generally granted by local councils for non-profit organizations.
Two new residences were approved for tax exemptions by the finance and audit committee this year, 1177 Francois Crescent used by non-profit group AiMHi for people with developmental disabilities and a property on Ferguson Lake Road used by the Nature Trust of BC for public use and conservation.
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Claire Thwaites, communications manager
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Email: media@princegeorge.ca