Prince George city council was not informed about a change in policy which will see city building inspectors not inspecting or reviewing plans for larger, more complex buildings.
In a letter sent to city council last week, the city’s building inspection team raised concerns about a shift to a “professional reliance” model when it comes to commercial, multi-family, industrial or other buildings classified as “Part 3 buildings” under the BC Building Code. The policy change came into effect on Feb. 16, according to the letter.
“We were not informed of the policy change allowing for self inspections starting last week. Even when this bylaw was amended in 2022 there was no discussion at all about the contractors doing their own inspections,” Coun. Brian Skaun said in an email. “The city manager preventing me from asking legitimate questions at council about this was a signal to me that this was not going to be discussed in public no matter what.”
The policy change should be paused until a full report on the issue can be brought before city council, he said.
“I'm very concerned with what I saw in the letter and I can back it up with private discussions I have had with some current and former staff members. The revelations are shocking but not surprising,” Skakun said. “I will stand shoulder to shoulder with our employees as they continue to bring these important issues to the council and to the public. They shouldn't live in fear for their employment because they are doing the right thing.”
“Unfortunately the focus will be more towards finding out how the media was given this information instead of doing what's long overdue, and that dealing with these systemic issues that have been festering for the last several years,” he said.
Coun. Trudy Klassen said she also wasn't aware of the policy change until last week. The letter shows a clear level of frustration by the city staff, which needs to be addressed, she said.
"I am in favour of returning the tough policy decisions to council, whose job it is to make decisions so that staff is free to do their job," Klassen said in an email. "As you know, professional reliance has been used throughout many municipalities and regional districts for many years without issue. We can look at best practices, but they have to be customized to fit our unique situation. Prince George has a shortage of engineers, building design technicians and building trades, so that needs to be considered."
Klassen said she has reached out to speak to several builders and engineers in the city, who said their working relationship with the city's building inspectors is good "and the timelines are reasonable, but as with anything, efficiencies are always possible."
"All pointed to other jurisdictions as relying on professional reliance and that it works to protect public safety. Moving forward it is imperative that we have a made-in-P.G. professional reliance model that ensures public safety while also taking advantage of tools to improve efficiency," Klassen said. "Public safety is paramount in any decisions we make as council."
Coun. Tim Bennett said he's looking to get more information about the policy change, including "the rationale, benefits, impacts, and risks of the change," so he make an informed decision about what action to take.
"It is important to recognize the concerns shared by the building inspectors," Bennett said in an email. "As a councillor, I believe it is essential we hear from our staff and community about decisions made and ensure all the information is heard, especially when concerns are identified. This feedback helps ensure good decision-making."
Coun. Ron Polillo declined to comment on the issue. Mayor Simon Yu and other members of council could not be reached for comment as of Tuesday morning. The City of Prince George has issued statements, disputing the claims made in the building inspector's letter.
