Here are some highlights from the September 9, 2024, City Council meeting. For more information – including the full agenda listing – read the Regular Council Meeting Agenda and its attachments.
Budget engagement event
Council has approved an in-person public consultation event this fall as part of the 2025 Budget Community Engagement process.
A report was presented to the Standing Committee on Finance and Audit last month, and the committee subsequently sought Council’s approval.
The event will offer the public an opportunity to learn more about the budget process, view presentations from staff, ask questions, and provide feedback on their priorities for our community. More details about the open house event, including the date and time, will be released in the coming weeks.
Ferguson Lake Road update
Council received a report outlining the repair work required following damage to Ferguson Lake Road. As a result, $430,000 will be added to the financial plan to fund these repairs.
The road was damaged in May due to flooding. To restore access as quickly as possible, a prefabricated one-lane bridge was installed. The bridge is functioning well, providing access to the Ferguson Lake recreational area and nearby residential properties.
Roads staff requested funding to permanently install the one-lane bridge structure. Permits have been approved by regulatory bodies, allowing channel work to proceed to support the permanent installation. This solution is more cost-effective ($440,000 LESS) than a comparable open-channel culvert crossing and still meets fish habitat requirements. Additionally, it will reinstate full access to Ferguson Lake Road more efficiently. The budget for this work will be funded through the Capital Expenditure Reserve.
Telus to construct two new towers
Council received two requests for concurrence regarding the development of two telecommunications facilities by TELUS, including tower structures and ancillary radio equipment.
The tower locations are at 9808 Kelly Road North and 9136 Milwaukee Way.
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 proposals. Construction of the towers is expected to take approximately two months once it begins.
Situation Table grant funding received
Council received a report outlining the grant application made to the province for additional funding to support training and reinvigoration of the Prince George Situation (SPIRIT) Table.
Council agreed to provide a letter of support and to receive the $30,000 in grant funding from the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General.
The SPIRIT Table, launched during the pandemic, has faced challenges, including changes in partner representatives. The additional funding will help revitalize the program, allowing front-line service providers to identify vulnerable individuals and families at risk of harm and connect them to services before crises like overdoses or evictions occur.
Key benefits of the SPIRIT Table include improved collaboration, better service delivery, and reduced demand for emergency and police services. Current participants include the City, Northern Health, BC Housing, RCMP, and other local organizations.
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Media contact:
Claire Thwaites, senior communications advisor
Mobile: 778-349-1386
Email: media@princegeorge.ca