Starting on Nov. 1, the City of Prince George’s four directors on the Regional District of Fraser-Fort George board will have 20 out of 31 votes on the board during weighted votes.
In a letter to the board dated Oct. 13, B.C. Minister of Municipal Affairs Nathan Cullen said the 2021 Census showed a population increase in the city, prompting an increase in the city’s voting power from 19 votes to 20 votes on the regional district board.
“These population figures reflect the number of people living within regional district boundaries, which may be different from the federal Census boundaries of the same name. In determining these total population figures, Ministry of Municipal Affairs staff have made adjustments to ensure that Indian Reserve populations are included for the appropriate local government areas and to account for 2021 municipal boundary changes,” Cullen wrote. “As a result of the 2021 Census and adjustments, the Regional District of Fraser-Fort George Board composition will not change, but the City of Prince George will gain one (1) vote as a reflection of increased population.”
According to information provided by the ministry, based on 2021 Census date, Prince George’s population is 76,708. Mackenzie has 3,281 people, Valemount 1,052 people, McBride 588 people, Electoral Area A (Salmon River - Lakes) 3,471 people, Electoral Area C (Chilako River – Nechako) 3,603 people, Electoral Area D (Tabor Lake - Stone Creek) 4,375 people, Electoral Area E (Woodpecker – Hixon) 533 people, Area F (Willow River - Upper Fraser) 1,333 people, Electoral Area G (Crooked River – Parsnip) 446 people and Electoral Area H (Robson Valley – Canoe) 1,589 people.
The total population of the Regional District of Fraser-Fort George is 96,979, according to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs.
Each municipality and electoral area in the district receive one vote for every 4,000 people, or portion thereof. So Prince George’s four directors receive 20 votes, Electoral Area D director Bill Empey has two votes, and all other directors have one vote.
No director can have more than five votes so, should Prince George’s population grow above 80,000 people in the next census, the city will receive a fifth director on the board.
Prince George city council nominates four members of council, which may or may not include the mayor, to sit on the regional district board as directors. The new city council is expected to nominate its four representatives to the regional district during its inaugural meeting on Nov. 7.
Non-financial decisions are largely decided by a simple majority vote, with each of the 14 directors on the board receiving one vote. Decisions with financial ramifications for the district are weighted – meaning the City of Prince George directors hold two-thirds of the votes on the board in budgetary matters.
For example, on Thursday the board approved a five-year, $11.2 million contract to provide fire dispatch services to the Prince George Fire Rescue Service. The vote to receive the report was made by simple majority, while the vote to approve the contract was a weighted vote.
The final meeting of the current board was held on Thursday (Oct. 20). The newly-elected board will meet for the first time on Nov. 17.
“I just want to thank those who are leaving (the board), those who are staying and those who are joining us,” Valemount Mayor and district director Owen Torgerson said. “Thank you for your service.”
