Here are some highlights from the February 23, 2026, City Council meeting. For more information – including the full agenda listing – read the Regular Council Meeting Agenda and its attachments.
Loan authorization and upcoming AAP
Council approved the first three readings and authorized an Alternative Approval Process (AAP) for several capital projects, including:
- Equipment financing – $4,086,000
- Stormwater system renewal – $2,500,000
- CN Centre building envelope renewal – $15,860,000
- Memorial Park Cemetery expansion – $5,150,000
- Civic facilities roof replacements – $2,450,000
The total value of these projects is approximately $30 million. Council previously approved them during last month’s budget meetings as part of the 2026–2030 Five-Year Capital Financial Plan, with funding identified through MFA debt and lease proceeds.
The report to council explains the proposed AAP timeframe is April 28 to June 2. Local governments must obtain elector approval for long-term borrowing. The AAP allows eligible voters to submit response forms opposing the borrowing. If 10 per cent or more of eligible voters submit forms, the City must proceed to a referendum
Canadian Native Fastball Championships
Council received a report requesting support for the Spruce City Men’s Fastball Association to host the 2026 Canadian Native Fastball Championships which are due to be held in Prince George from July 30 to August 2.
Council approved providing financial support for the 2026 event with funding of $118,000 and up to $60,000 in-kind and that these funds come from the Major Events Reserve.
The Spruce City Men’s Fastball Association, who also presented as a delegation at the meeting, successfully hosted the Canadian Native Fastball Championships in both 2016 and 2022. The 2026 Canadian Native Fastball Championships are expected to generate approximately $5 million in direct economic impact for the City of Prince George. The three-day tournament is expected to have up to 80 teams, bringing more than 1,200 athletes plus friends and families for an estimated total of 2,500 people coming into the community for this event.
NCLGA resolutions
Council gave its approval to submit three resolutions to the 2026 North Central Local Government Association (NCLGA) Annual General Meeting.
The resolutions call for: increased provincial funding and staffing for BC Crown Counsel to address justice system pressures; provincial support for the creation of an Indigenous-led, cross-sector housing alliance to improve coordination and eviction prevention for Indigenous tenants; and federal action to strengthen Canada’s forestry sector, including appointing a dedicated federal minister, prioritizing resolution of the softwood lumber dispute, implementing “buy Canadian” procurement policies, and expanding international market access.
The NCLGA and the communities of the City of Prince George, the Lheidli T'enneh First Nation, and the Regional District of Fraser-Fort George will be co-hosting the AGM and Convention in Prince George from May 20 to May 22.
January building permit summary
Council received a building permit and development permit summary for January 2026. The report includes all residential, commercial, industrial, and institutional permits, and the estimated total construction value of each development. The January total is made up of one commercial/industrial permit and nine residential permits, worth a combined total of $2.84 million. This is down on previous years for January numbers, with the 2025 January total being 37 permits totaling $12 million and the 2024 January figures being 28 permits valued at $12.6 million.
-30-
Media contact:
Claire Thwaites, communications manager
Mobile: 778-349-1386
Email: media@princegeorge.ca