Here are some highlights from the September 25, 2023, City Council meeting. For more information – including the full agenda listing – read the Regular Council Meeting Agenda and its attachments.
Funding initiative approved for Downtown businesses
Council approved $20,000 in funding to be allocated toward a Downtown Vibrancy and Vitality Initiative service for businesses impacted by the explosion on August 22. The explosion caused damage to storefronts including street facing windows, doors, fascia and trims.
The funding, taken from the Council contingency fund, will be administered by Downtown Prince George through a partnering agreement, on a first-come, first-served basis, up to $1,000 per business, and the businesses are required to provide receipts. This Downtown Vibrancy and Vitality Initiative program will be in place until December 31, 2023.
Arts Hall of Fame
Council agreed to move forward with a proposal to establish an award installing inductees to an Arts Hall of Fame. The approved motion invites the Community Arts Council to work together with the City to encourage the recognition of those who contribute above and beyond through their efforts to support the Arts.
A report will be returned to council in November to detail the process, which proposes an event recognizing the inductees and establishing a recognition board in a visible location in City Hall and if appropriate, in a civic building dedicated to the Arts.
August building and development summary
Council received a Building Permit and Development Permit Summary for the month of August. The report includes all residential, commercial, industrial, and institutional permits, and the estimated total construction value of each development.
In August a total of 49 building permits were issued, made up of 10 commercial/industrial permits and 39 residential permits. In August three new duplex permits were granted, totaling $998,400. This brings the year-to-date new duplex permits to 23, a significant increase from 2022 where the year to date for August figure was five, and 2021 when it was seven.
The report also shows the total year-to-date figure for 2023 is 269 permits representing approx. $91 million.
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Media contact:
Claire Thwaites, senior communications advisor
Mobile: 778-349-1386
Email: media@princegeorge.ca