Another noted business has vacated Prince George's downtown core.
Movers were busy earlier this week hauling furniture out of the Commonwealth Financial building at 331 George St. and taking it to the financial services provider's new home at 575 Victoria St.
With the lease on the George Street building up for renewal, Commonwealth principal Dan McLaren said they opted for a spot in what could be called the city's financial district. The new digs also provide more space for what has turned out to be a growing venture.
"It's a premier premise that we've got. We started almost 30 years ago with a desk and a phone and now we're right across the street from the big boys," McLaren said. "We've got the Royal Bank on one corner across from us, we've got TD, Scotiabank, HSBC. We're quite proud of the fact that we've expanded and we've been a success story and we're in a really spectacular location."
McLaren has been an outspoken critic about the state of the downtown core and was not shy about saying the ongoing trouble around its now-previous home played a role in the decision to move. He puts the blame squarely at the feet of the provincial and federal governments. McLaren was also sharply critical of the apparent reluctance by provincial Crown counsel to approve charges.
Conversely, he said the measures the city has taken in the name of the safe streets bylaw has helped somewhat.
"The bylaw officers coming down was noticeable and picking up a lot of the needles and syringes and stuff like that," he said. "The city did as much as I think the city can do, and I know it's kind of popular to beat up city hall because of the problems downtown, but they are the child of the provincial and federal governments and the decriminalization."
McLaren had high hopes for the core when Commonwealth moved to the George Street spot seven years ago.
"Downtown was a happy story to tell," he said and went on to note major expansions and renovations to nearby restaurants, hotels and services. But things did not get better, in fact just the opposite, he said.
Given its proximity to the courthouse, he suggested the spot would make a good home for a law office. It may also be attractive for a social services agency "because their clients are there."
"The building itself is very good but it's not conducive to retail," McLaren said.
Although away from the core, McLaren said Commonwealth is still in the city's downtown.
"We believe in downtown, and we believe in downtown Prince George, but parts of downtown Prince George are far better to do business in than being near the needle exchange that draws a certain crowd that is certainly not good for business," McLaren said.
