Downtown church delegation
A delegation from St. Michael and All Angels Church in downtown Prince George appeared before Council to request funding to help to remove church pews and turn the church into a recital hall for the performing arts. Council opted to defer the matter back to Administration until a later date when it can be determined how such requests could fit into an overall Performing Arts Strategy for Prince George.
Council adopts new Capital Project Policy
City capital projects will soon receive greater oversight and improved efficiency thanks to Council’s approval of a new project management policy framework on Monday evening. The Organizational Capital Project Management policy represents the latest step in a two-phase approach to enhance project governance and give Council a better understanding of City project lifecycle management and practices.
Cemetery Fees and Charges Bylaw amendments approved
Council received a report from Councillor Garth Frizzell, Chair of the Finance and Audit Committee, to seek Council’s approval to amend Cemetery fees and charges for 2022 to 2023 as endorsed by the Committee. The amendments were recommended by staff in order to adapt to changing public preferences regarding burials and cremations and following a review of current practices and public consultation. The most notable proposed amendment in the report provides consistency with how staff manage the purchase and placement of private estates. Council approved the amendments to the Cemetery Bylaw and Fees and Charges Bylaws for first three readings.
Jumpstart Multisport Court initiative
An inclusive multisport court may be coming to Prince George next year. On Monday night, City Council approved a motion to consider funding for the project during Council’s Budget deliberations for the 2022 Budget early next year. With support from local Canadian Tire Dealer, Selen Alpay, Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities contacted the City of Prince George this past spring with a proposal to build an inclusive play area in the community. City administration worked with Jumpstart to assess local recreation needs and decided on a 13,000 square foot inclusive multisport court, which will provide opportunities for physical, sensory and cognitive development through both organized sport and casual play for kids of all ages and abilities.
2022 permissive tax exemptions
Council approved the recommended permissive tax exemptions for the years 2022 to 2023. Permissive tax exemptions are a means for Council to support organizations within the community, which enhance quality of life and deliver services economically. Council also passed a motion requesting that Administration return to Council with a report clarifying the “public worship” category in the Permissive Tax Exemption Bylaw.
Indoor walking to reopen at CN Centre
At Monday’s meeting, Council directed Administration to reopen the CN Centre for public walking during the coming winter season. Public walking will be available starting on October 18 and will run until April 2022. Operating hours will be from 8:30am to 5:00pm from Monday to Friday and online or phone registration is required. There will be no drop-in registration available. Participants (12+) will be required to provide proof of vaccination, as per the Provincial Health Order before entering the CN Centre concourse to walk. Masks will remain mandatory. Signage, directional arrows, and hand sanitizer stations are located throughout the facility.
The full agenda for the Council meeting with links to all of the reports is available on the City website.