Here are some highlights from the May 5, 2025, City Council meeting. For more information – including the full agenda listing – read the Regular Council Meeting Agenda and its attachments.
Procurement options considered
Council received a report from administration that outlined possible options for procurement practices at the City in the wake of the tariffs being imposed by the US Government.
The issue was first discussed at the March 10 meeting where the report on next steps regarding procurement practices was requested.
The report had three options for council to consider, one being administrative procedures be amended to put criteria around informal solicitation preference to Canadian suppliers where practicable when the purchase is below trade agreement thresholds. Option two was to direct administration to obtain legal advice for establishing policy that would restrict US suppliers from bidding on formal procurement and option three was to maintain the current process.
Council voted to approve option one with the inclusion of an amendment put forward that included an order of preference for suppliers starting with Prince George based, then regional, provincial, Canadian then international.
Delegation to Victoria deemed a success
Council received an update on last week’s advocacy trip to Victoria by members of the Intergovernmental Affairs committee. Councillors Frizzell, Sampson and Scott attended and were joined by the City Manager and Senior Advisor of Intergovernmental Relations.
In total there were 16 meetings coordinated for the delegation including with Premier Eby and a number of ministers.
Issues that were the focus of the advocacy trip included public safety, mental health and addictions, future of the economy and the uncertainty of the geopolitical climate.
Library skylight renewal budget increase
Council approved a budget increase of $250,000 for the skylight renewal project at the Bob Harkins Library.
The initial budget for the project was $875,000 but as the report to council explains, an inflationary increase to material costs (including tariffs on steel), as well as the complexity of the project, means the budget needs to increase to $1.125 million.
The revised budget will permit the City to move forward with a successful award for construction in 2025 and to ensure there is no further damage incurred to the materials, systems and infrastructure of this facility. It is anticipated that the lifespan of the new infrastructure will be 30-40 years.
The additional $250,000 will be funded from both the Canada Community Building Fund for $200,000 and the General Infrastructure Reinvestment Fund for $50,000.
Council also passed a resolution to have a report prepared with extra expense breakdown information on the skylight project following its completion.
Water regulations and rates bylaw
Council approved the first three readings of the City of Prince George Water Regulations and Rates bylaw amendments.
As explained in the report to council, this amendment will remove the requirement to service a two-unit house, also known as a duplex, with separate water connections.
The report explains that since the province introduced changes as part of Bill-44 aimed to increase housing supply, there has been an uptick in duplex housing in Prince George. Under the existing Water Bylaw each housing unit is required to have a separate City water connection when located on one parcel.
This amendment aligns with provincial housing objectives, reduces financial burdens on developers, and enhances service efficiency.
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Media contact:
Claire Thwaites, communications manager
Mobile: 778-349-1386
Email: media@princegeorge.ca