Small changes that lead to big improvements over time was the focus of a panel discussion on Monday night (Nov. 19) examining the future of downtown Prince George.
The panel, called FutureSensePG, was hosted by a group of students from a University of Northern British Columbia environmental planning class and included perspectives from both the City of Prince George and the private sector.
A map of downtown Prince George distributed at the panel. (via Hanna Petersen)“This is going to be one discussion among many that take place on an ongoing basis that will influence what becomes of downtown Prince George,” said fourth-year planning student Rob Hines.
The panel featured Colleen Van Mook, executive director of Downtown Prince George; Ashley Elliot, a planner from L&M Engineering; and Tristin Deveau, a planner at the City of Prince George.
All of the panellists addressed, in some way, how small changes have made a difference over time in the shape and character of downtown Prince George.
“People will often say what is the magic formula for making a healthy downtown. It’s never just one thing but we have got some of the key ingredients already in our downtown,” said Van Mook, whose speech focused on passionate individuals and small business owners who are investing in downtown.
She also spoke about some of the challenges facing downtown, like the three-hour parking limit and homelessness.
“Right now, in our province and in our country, we are all feeling the effects of homelessness and the opioid crisis; we are no different in experiencing those,” said Van Mook.
“We are at the table with Northern Health with the City of Prince George and the RCMP. It is not something we can sweep under the rug we are looking for good solid collaborate solutions. “
Elliot, a planner in the private sector who helps developers rezone properties, spoke about the changes she has seen in the downtown core in the last few years.
“Despite these challenges, we are seeing a downtown that is evolving in a really interesting and positive way, and becoming a space we want to spend our time,” she said.
“What’s really great to see is the increasing number of applications for the downtown and we’re starting to see businesses like Betulla Burning, Homework, Crossroads, and Photofax, that are really investing in their appearance.”
She said small efforts over the last few years have made a big difference in downtown. “All of these little things don’t seem like a big change on their own but what they are doing is creating this collective place-making effort that is actually very impactful.”
Deveau was the last to speak and focused on downtown revitalization from a city perspective. He said the city has policies in place to provide incentives for developers and businesses to invest downtown.
“When developers come on board, like the Park House Condos, we are hoping that sends a message to other developers that there is confidence in downtown,” he said.
He noted the Park House Condo development will add 153 units in the downtown, which will significantly increase the residential population that currently sits at about 200.
“That is a huge increase to what is already there but even the smaller developments add up in the cumulative effect. I have been in the city for about two years and I have noticed a difference in that time. Every small increase adds to the whole.”
The environmental planning students who hosted the panel will be producing a report, providing a synopsis of the discussion. It'll be made available to the public once it's complete.
