FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Prince George, B.C. – The City of Prince George is preparing to open an alternate approval process (AAP) for five different projects on April 28, including the CN Centre building envelope renewal project, which is seeking $15.86 million.
The CN Centre celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2025 which means it needs significant infrastructure upgrades to ensure it's in great shape for years to come. The building envelope has entered the infrastructure replacement phase which is the normal life cycle for all civic facilities. The project will repair exterior walls to stop water infiltration, improve energy efficiency, and extend the service life of the building. Renewing the building envelope will ensure the facility is safe and operational while extending the exterior for at least 50 years.
“This work isn't due to a lack of maintenance – the arena undergoes regular, annual maintenance and upgrades. This comes down to the age of the building, much like the Aquatic Centre project, it is time to reinvest in this important community facility that welcomes hundreds of thousands of people from across northern BC every year,” said civic facilities and events director, Andy Beesley.
The cost includes demolition efforts, office relocation, construction, third party independent testing, project management and consultant design fees, building permits and insurance, etc. which is estimated at approximately $4.15 million. The cost breakdown for construction activities is estimated at $11.67 million and includes:
- Exterior envelope replacement (exterior walls, vapour barrier replacement, metal roof, windows, doors, overhead doors, louvers, roof ladder, safety guardrails, roof drains, gutters and downspouts, hose bibs, canopies): estimated budget $10.3 million
- Structural repairs: estimated budget $800,000
- Fire wall structural reinforcement at Kin Atrium: estimated budget $100,000
- Electrical upgrades (new emergency lights, new exit lights, new exterior lights, exterior pedestrian light replacement): estimated budget $300,000
- Signage and landscaping: estimated budget $170,000
If the funding is approved through the AAP, work will take place through the summer months in 2027 and 2028 to avoid conflicts with the Prince George Cougars schedule and reduce heating costs. The City is seeking approval from residents this spring to ensure the project stays on budget. Delaying the AAP (or opting to host a referendum during the municipal election in October instead) would result in increased project costs, as the $15.86 million price tag is based on 2026 estimates.
More information about the project will be available as it progresses on the City website.
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Media contact:
Kendall Robertson, senior communications advisor
Mobile: 778-349-5393
Email: media@princegeorge.ca