Here are some highlights from the September 3, 2025, City Council meeting. For more information – including the full agenda listing – read the Regular Council Meeting Agenda and its attachments.
OCP update
Council was provided with an amended version of the proposed Official Community Plan (OCP) based on Council resolutions from the July 14, 2025 Regular Council Meeting.
Council rescinded the original second reading of the new OCP, amended it to include this new version, and then approved the second reading.
Another public hearing is now set to take place, which has been scheduled for Wednesday, October 1 at 6 p.m, to provide residents the opportunity to comment on the amended version. Public hearings on the OCP were held on March 19 and April 9.
The OCP Review was publicly launched on September 18, 2023.
Empty storefront pilot
Council resumed discussion on a notice of motion proposing a pilot program for the C1 downtown zone that would allow vacant ground floor commercial spaces to allow various uses such as art studios, small retail, temporary food uses and more, for up to 12 months without rezoning.
The item was postponed at the last meeting, and an amended motion was put forward that suggested Council directs Administration to work with UNBC as appropriate to research reasons for vacancies downtown and provide options for interventions and strategies.
Council voted to refer the main motion back to staff for review and report back to Council. Staff intend to report back together with an update on the Downtown Strategy and the Nightlife Economy Action Plan.
Riverfront vitality proposal
Council discussed a second notice of motion, this one proposing the City engage with the University of Northern BC (UNBC) to explore opportunities to work together on the development of a comprehensive Nechako and Fraser River Waterfront Plan, in collaboration with other community interest groups.
Council again moved a referral back to administration for review and report back at a later meeting.
Contingency funds approved for Block Watch Parties
Council approved providing up to $7500 from the Council Contingency Fund to support neighborhood Block Watch Parties that are taking place later this month.
The purpose of these events is to promote the Community Policing Block Watch program, with a goal to attract new participants.
Staff and several community partners including the Prince George Fire Rescue Service, ICBC, the Bear Aware Society, RCMP Operational Communications Centre (OCC), Parks and RCMP Victim Services are expected to attend. The intention is to engage with residents and to provide participants with information on how to make their neighbourhoods safer.
The parties are being held on September 13 at College Heights Secondary School and John McGinnia Secondary School, and then on September 20 at Shas Ti/Kelly Road Secondary School and Duchess Park Secondary School.
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Media contact:
Claire Thwaites, communications manager
Mobile: 778-349-1386
Email: media@princegeorge.ca