Actions aimed at improving the social issues facing downtown Prince George and other areas of the city are underway.
A new committee, or “mayor’s task force” called the Select Committee on A Safe, Clean and Inclusive Downtown was officially formed at last night’s council meeting (Dec. 17).
Its purpose would be advising council and city staff on priorities and strategies related to key issues and work required to be done to address social issues throughout Prince George with a focus on the downtown core.
“Council has heard clearly from residents that social issues affecting the city - the downtown in particular – are a matter of immediate concern,” says Mayor Lyn Hall in a news release.
“This new committee is in direct response to that public feedback and the input of the business community, which is why the makeup of the committee is going to feature representatives from the general public, the business community, and many of the organizations with a direct stake in the outcome. Council encourages residents who are interested and feel they are qualified to put their names forward to be part of the committee.”
The committee will be composed of the Mayor as chair and up to eight members representing Prince George Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Prince George, Gateway Business Improvement Association, Prince George RCMP, Northern Health Authority, BC Housing, Association Advocating for Women and Community (AWAC), and Prince George Native Friendship Centre.
The committee will be comprised of up to 14 members with up to five community members appointed by council.
Before the committee was formed, representatives from Prince George Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Prince George and Gateway Business Improvement Associations presented to council with a list of recommendations and proposed amendments for the select committee’s terms of reference.
“This can’t be a taxation story this has to be a story of how do we mitigate expenses for the benefit of our community,” said Todd Corrigall, CEO of the Chamber of Commerce.
“One of the pillars of the municipal government act is community safety and we want that focus to come forward through the budgeting focus in January.”
One of the requests from the groups presenting highlighted by Corrigall was the request to add an additional six new RCMP officers and two support staff.
The city’s finance and audit committee is currently researching a suite of social enhancements to be discussed a budget time which includes additional policing.
“Once the committee gets put together we have a great vehicle,” said Coun. Garth Frizzell regarding discussing the recommendations brought forward by the presenters.
“I think a lot of it is going to be addressed when the real work begins in the committee when that launches early in the new year. Organizations like you are representing will have a seat at the table,” added Coun. Terri McConnachie.
“As your elected officials, folks are counting on us to lead on issues such as we are dealing now and I will tell you it packs a punch and adds strength when we have our business community behind us. We don’t have all of the answers here tonight but you’ve taken the time to bring up some ideas and possible remedies will be hashed out and I look forward to participating in the process.”
Those interested in applying for a community position on the committee should have knowledge and experience related to Prince George social issues, with emphasis on the downtown area, and be familiar with the impacts on, and responsibilities of, various levels of government, nonprofit organizations, and businesses for alleviating those issues.
Information on the committee, including its Terms of Reference and application forms, are available on the city’s website or may be picked up in the Legislative Services Division on the fifth floor City Hall.
The deadline for applications is 5 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 3, 2020.
