Here are some highlights from the August 17, 2026, City Council meeting. For more information, including the full agenda listing, read the Regular Council Meeting Agenda and its attachments.
Downloading report
Council received a report on senior government downloading and legislative changes following a request for this information earlier this year.
In the report, downloading is defined as quantifiable costs related to the responsibilities of other orders of government, such as housing, mental health and addictions, and legislative changes that have significant financial impacts.
Between 2020 and 2024, the City incurred more than $19 million related to housing, social services, and mental health and addictions.
Between 2020 and 2024, the City incurred more than $7 million due to legislative and regulatory changes. These changes filter down to local governments, as they are required to follow new legislation.
The City estimates a total of $26,442,939 was downloaded from senior levels of government between 2020 and 2024.
Zoning bylaw changes
Council approved the first three readings for the City of Prince George Zoning Bylaw No. 7850, 2007 (Zoning Bylaw) to implement recommendations from the Housing Action Implementation Strategy Initiative project, as presented at the July 20, 2026 meeting.
The intention of the proposed zoning bylaw changes, as explained in the report, is to make it easier to implement standardized plans and provincial small-scale multi-unit housing (SSMUH) legislation, and to support its development in Prince George. These initiatives are in line with the City’s Official Community Plan, which supports gentle density housing, greater flexibility for small-scale residential forms, and infill development. A standardized design catalogue for Prince George is intended to make building easier in locations and zones where housing development is already allowed, without compromising regulatory oversight or building quality.
The proposed bylaw amendments focus on three general areas:
- Increasing allowable building heights (from 2.5 storeys to 3 storeys in residential zones)
- Adding regulations for secondary dwellings and separating them from accessory buildings and structures regulations (e.g., sheds, detached garages, etc.). The proposed maximum size for secondary dwellings on property types that already allow secondary dwellings is 100 m2 of ground floor area.
- Reducing/removing parking requirements (from two spaces per dwelling to one space per dwelling for certain housing types and from one space to zero for secondary suites and secondary dwellings), and adding an exception for lots subject to SSMUH regulations so they may have a maximum of one off-street parking space located in a front or side yard.
SSMUH legislation does not apply to properties outside the urban containment boundary, properties larger than 4,050 m2, or properties that are not connected to both municipal water and sewer service. Greenbelt (AG), Agriculture & Forestry (AF), and Rural Residential (AR1, AR2, and AR4) zones do not fall under SSMUH legislation and are not SSMUH zones, but they are proposed to be included in this bylaw amendment to make it easier for property owners to use standardized plans for principal dwellings and/or secondary dwellings if they wish.
Kopar Arena naming rights agreement
Council approved the signing of a naming rights agreement with Kopar Administration Ltd. regarding the Kopar Memorial Arena.
The Kopar Memorial Arena has had a naming rights agreement with Kopar Administration Ltd. since September 30, 2022, and that agreement expired on June 30, 2026.
The proposed agreement provides the city with an annual revenue of $16,000 for four years, amounting to a total of $64,000. This represents a 6.67% increase from the previous agreement. The term would end on the same date as the current license agreement between the Prince George Spruce Kings and the City for use of the facility.
2027 Council meeting calendar
Council approved the proposed 2027 Council Meeting Calendar.
The Community Charter requires that each year, Council make available to the public a schedule indicating the date, time, and location of its regular meetings. Any amendments to this schedule must also be approved by Council resolution.
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Media contact:
Claire Thwaites, Communications Manager
Mobile: 778-349-1386
Email: media@princegeorge.ca