Committees, boards, and commissions consider important issues related to City programs, services, and community priorities. Some groups are formed to respond to a specific issue or council priority (e.g., the Advisory Committee on Bear Awareness or the Public Safety Committee) while others are established through provincial legislative mandate (e.g., the Prince George Public Library Board).
These groups help provide advice, expertise, and community perspectives to support Council in making informed decisions.
Do committees make final decisions?
In most cases, no. Committees typically review topics, discuss options, and make recommendations to Council. Final decisions are generally made by City Council at a Council meeting.
This means that just because a topic is discussed at a committee meeting does not necessarily mean it will be approved or acted on. Council must consider the recommendation and determine whether to proceed.
Council can also refer items to a committee for further discussion or advice. For example, Council may refer a matter to the Standing Committee on Intergovernmental Affairs if it would benefit from additional discussion about potential advocacy or funding opportunities.
Why do some committees have an end date?
Some committees are formed to address a specific issue or Council priority. In these cases, the committee’s Terms of Reference may include an end date or clear deliverables so that the group can provide recommendations, research, or findings to Council within a defined timeframe.
For example, the Advisory Committee on Bear Awareness was formed to provide recommendations to Council related to reducing human-bear conflicts in Prince George. The committee explored options such as education opportunities, bear-resistant garbage bins, and potential approaches to managing fruit trees and other wildlife attractants. Once its recommendations were presented to Council, the committee was dissolved as its mandate had been fulfilled.
Other committees are ongoing because their work involves long-term oversight or evolving priorities. Examples include the Heritage Commission and the Advisory Committee on Accessibility and Inclusion.
Who is on these committees and how are members chosen?
Committee membership may include members of Council, members representing community organizations or sectors, and members of the public.
Public members are typically appointed through an application process. Residents interested in serving on a committee can submit an application, and Council reviews the applications and selects members during a closed meeting. In many cases, Council members use a secret ballot process to identify preferred candidates. The final appointments are then confirmed through a Council resolution.
City staff provide administrative and subject-matter support to committees, while Council members may participate as appointed Council representatives.
Are committee meetings open to the public?
Yes. Most committee meetings are open to the public and meeting agendas and date are posted on the City’s website.
Unlike Council meetings, committee meetings are not recorded or live streamed. Some meetings take place in Council Chambers (such as the Finance and Audit Committee), while others occur in City Hall meeting rooms
Where can I learn more and see the current list of committees?
You can learn more about the City’s current committees, view their Terms of Reference, and see meeting schedules and agendas on the City website.