The latest changes at Canada Games Plaza present an opportunity while building on the success of the new Canfor Leisure pool.
Recent developments — such as the removal of the old bleachers, the construction of a new skating rink, the opening of a tourism gift shop and the possible addition of second, smaller, Mr. PG to the plaza — signal an emerging interest in transforming the Canada Games Plaza.
For decades there has been a push, with multiple studies, to revitalize downtown Prince George, including the Civic Core Plan that the city is currently working on. This time however, the user groups have been united, and presented a carefully researched vision for a multi-use convention and entertainment facility that would serve arts, sports, and tourism while addressing infrastructure needs.
The plan envisions a vibrant space that would support conventions and performances, a modern arena to replace the failing Kopar Memorial Arena and expanded greenspaces. It is a vision that, at its core, unite user groups, stimulate economic growth, and make our downtown a hub of activity and culture.
Yet despite the plan’s comprehensive and community-driven nature, it seems to be languishing while smaller, disconnected developments proceed without a unified direction. This piecemeal approach risks wasting both resources and potential.
Take, for example, the new rink and the tourism shop at Canada Games Plaza. These are positive steps, but they don’t address the bigger picture. Without a long-term, cohesive strategy, they may end up as isolated projects that don’t work together to drive the kind of economic impact we need.
Downtown Prince George faces obvious challenges. Most notably, recent decisions by key businesses, such as Fortis BC’s departure from its downtown headquarters, highlight the growing concerns around safety, crime, and vandalism in the area.
A more comprehensive approach to revitalization is essential. One that looks to create a space that is not only functional but inviting, as more the more people who use the space decreases the challenges.
The user groups plan offers a blueprint for such an approach, focusing on the integration of arts, sports, and business, while emphasizing the need for spaces that can host everything from conferences to concerts.
This flexibility would help attract people to the city year-round, filling hotel rooms, supporting local businesses, and boosting tourism. As tourism and business leaders have pointed out, facilities like a new convention centre or performance venue could significantly increase our city’s capacity to host large events, which in turn could inject funds into our local economy.
Rather than continuing with an ad hoc approach, it’s time for the city to seriously invest in the kind of co-ordinated vision that the Civic Core Plan represents.
This is not a call for slow inaction, but for a commitment to a future-focused strategy that incorporates input from all stakeholders and ensures that taxpayer dollars are spent wisely.
A development along the lines of the Civic Core Plan could foster a truly multi-purpose space that serves a wide variety of interests and draws people downtown for diverse events — arts performances, sports games, conventions, and more.
