Here are some highlights from the October 7, 2024, City Council meeting. For more information – including the full agenda listing – read the Regular Council Meeting Agenda and its attachments.
Future of Mr. PG
Council received a report outlining the potential ideas for the future of Mr. PG.
The report, which was received for information by council, explains that administration is currently working on a plan to relocate Mr. PG to the Canada Games Plaza in order to promote him as a City attraction and bring visitors to a location that also supports local businesses and restaurants.
Council amended the original motion and voted to ask administration to return a report to council following broad community engagement and feedback on the future home of Mr. PG. A second motion was then put forward to look into the feasibility of having two locations of Mr. PG – one at Canada Games Plaza and one at the intersection of Highways 16 and 97.
New playground for Lheidli T’enneh Memorial Park
Council received a report outlining the need for the existing playground at Lheidli T’enneh Memorial Park (LTMP) to be replaced and reviewed initial concept drawings for the new playground.
The existing playground was installed in 2000 and has reached the end of its useful life. In April 2024 staff began phase one of the LTMP Playground Renewal Project by selecting a playground company to work with. City staff have worked with Canadian Recreation Solutions to design a playground that is representative of the unique geography and diverse culture of Prince George.
Phase two of the LTMP Playground Renewal Project is scheduled for construction in 2025, including a complete archaeological impact assessment report. The estimated capital project budget is $3 million.
Permissive tax exemptions
Council approved the first three readings of Bylaw No. 9504, 2024 in relation to the 2025 Permissive Tax Exemptions.
The total estimated value for the tax exemptions in the report’s recommendations is $2.06 million or 1.49% of the tax levy (based on 2024 tax rates and assessment values).
Permissive tax exemption is a means for Council to support organizations within the community which further Council’s objectives of enhancing quality of life (economic, social, and cultural) and delivering services economically.
Provincial legislation provides statutory tax exemptions for places of worship. Permissive tax exemptions are generally granted by local councils for non-profit organizations.
Three new residences were approved for tax exemptions by the finance and audit committee this year, 301 George Street and 960 5th Avenue both used by Carrier Sekani Family Services, and a parcel on Kelly Road North owned by the Nature Trust of BC.
Downtown Prince George levy bylaw renewal
Council approved the first three readings of a new bylaw to continue the Downtown Business Improvement Area (BIA) beginning April 1, 2025, through March 31, 2035. This initiative will support the enhancement, beautification, and promotion of the downtown area.
The existing Downtown Business Improvement Area bylaw expires on March 31, 2025.
Downtown Prince George provided details for their request in their recent presentation to Council. The requests were incorporated into the bylaw such as a 10-year term, starting levy of $368,962 with a 3% annual increase, and a maximum levy cap of $12,500 per property with a 3% annual increase.
Staff will now undertake a counter-petition style process for the defined area of Downtown Prince George. The deadline for receiving petition forms in opposition to the bylaw is 5 p.m. on Tuesday, November 12, 2024. Staff will then return to Council with the results of that counter-petition for Council’s consideration of adoption of the bylaw.
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