Here are some highlights from the July 28, 2025, City Council meeting. For more information – including the full agenda listing – read the Regular Council Meeting Agenda and its attachments.
Business & Retail crime response forum
Council has supported an amended notice of motion calling for a Business & Retail Crime Response Forum, in line with a plan already set in motion with the three local Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLA’s).
The original recommendation put forward directed administration to coordinate and facilitate the forum, with requested participation from the RCMP, and invited representatives from the retail and business community, including organizations such as the Chamber of Commerce and Downtown Prince George and an invitation for the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General to participate.
However, the amended motion that was approved directs administration to liaise with and partner with the three local MLA offices to coordinate and support their proposed Business & Retail Crime Response Forum currently in development, and to endeavor that the intent behind the original Notice of Motion is meaningfully integrated into the fall forum through the City’s participating partnership.
Snow and Ice Control Policy changes
Snow removal on statutory holidays was back on the agenda again, with council considering three options mentioned in the report:
1. No snow removal on statutory holidays
2. Increased allowable snow levels on statutory holidays
3. Prioritizing Priority one and two routes and decreasing service for priority three on statutory holidays.
Council discussed option two and three and ultimately voted for option three.
Administration will now proceed with a one season pilot of this change to service levels on statutory holidays and determine what the impacts are and where the savings can be shown.
At the April 23 meeting, council received information about snow and ice control expenditures from November 1 to December 31, 2024 including a breakdown of the costs of equipment, labour and supplies. The report from April states that pausing snow and ice control services during a snow event could save the City $211,501 per day.
UBCM grant for Carrie Jane Gray Park
Council supported a request from administration to apply for a grant through the Strategic Priorities Fund (SPF) Capital Infrastructure Stream.
The SPF Capital Infrastructure Stream supports recreation and sport infrastructure and the grant would be used for work planned in phase three of the Carrie Jane Gray (CJG) Park Renewal master plan. The CJG master plan provides direction and the foundation for a multi phased approach revitalizing the park and creating a premier athletic hub that provides opportunities for the community; builds capacity and growth for sport; and increases the ability to host local, regional, provincial and national tournaments and games.
During 2025 budget deliberations, Council approved $1.9 million for the first phase of construction for the Carrie Jane Gray update project, which will begin this summer. Read the Carrie Jane Gray Master Plan for more information about each construction phase and to learn how public engagement helped shape plans for the park.
June building permit summary
Council received a building permit and development permit summary for June with 58 permits issued for the month. The report includes all residential, commercial, industrial, and institutional permits, and the estimated total construction value of each development.
The June total is made up of seven commercial/industrial permit and 51 residential permits, worth a combined total of $20.1 million. The month continued the strong start to the year for permits.
The year-to-date total as at the end of June is 194 permits worth a combined $184 million. The year-to-date total for the previous year 2024 was 198 permits totaling $160 million.
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Claire Thwaites, communications manager
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Email: media@princegeorge.ca