Council meeting summary - March 13, 2023

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Media Releases
Council Media Release

Here are some highlights from the March 13, 2023 City Council Meeting. For more information – including the full agenda listing – consult the March 13, 2023 Regular Council Meeting Agenda and its attachments.

Advisory Committee on Accessibility – Terms of Reference Update

  • Council approved the draft terms of reference for the Advisory Committee on Accessibility and Inclusion.
  • The committee is now named, Advisory Committee on Accessibility and Inclusion to reflect a broader mandate to remove barriers and align with Council’s value of inclusivity in its 2023-2026 Strategic Plan.
  • The draft terms of reference now include provisions that refer to the requirements outlined in the Accessible British Columbia Act.

 

Centralized Encampment Management

  • Council approved a proposal to centralized encampments in Prince George at the current, court-protected lower Patricia Boulevard location.
  • At the March 27th meeting, Council will give consideration to the  final reading and adoption of  the Parks & Open Space bylaw to include amendments that will allow unhoused residents to set up temporary overnight shelters in Lower Patricia.
  • A fourth motion passed that directed City staff to bring a report back to a future  Council meeting with options and costs for an increased police presence in the downtown area and the Millar Addition as well as options for contracting private security and other safety measures.

 

Update to 2021 Housing Needs Report

  • Council received information from Administration on changes to the 2021 Housing Needs Report.
  • Notable changes in Prince George’s housing situation since the last report was published include:
    • A significant reduction in rates of core housing, considerable increases in rent from 2020-2021.
    • A further decline in vacancy rates.
    • The largest increase to cost of ownership since 2008.
    • Increased interest rates.
    • Large increases in construction costs (upwards of $110 per square foot).
    • The update to the 2021 Housing Needs Report shows a decreased overall rate of housing need. The updated information, however, shows that the rate is still considerable and may be underestimated due to the analysis based on data from a census period that includes the effects of income offset programs rolled out during the Covid-19 pandemic, but can’t show the effect of the end of these programs. Additional pressures on housing affordability include rising rents and homeownership costs, cost of construction, inflation, and interest rates.