As I write this on Tuesday night, the results of the presidential election are not in. By the time you read this, they may not be. Or they might be. I don’t know. But regardless of how it shakes out, as important as its outcome may be, even here in a small city in a different country, I think it’s always important to remember the importance of the local: what can you do here to improve things for your city, your neighbours, to create a sense of community? We watch politics on an international scale, we act on a local one.
Here’s today’s local news.
Council roundup:
Bear Awareness committee makes recommendations
Council received a report and a number of recommendations from the Advisory Committee on Bear awareness.
Council referred the report to staff to return to Council with further information and costs of the recommendations as presented by the committee.
The committee has now been dissolved as the objectives have been achieved as defined in the terms of reference.
Social issues update
Council received an update on social issues specifically relating to the Lower Patricia Boulevard Encampment.
In a report to council it was pointed out that the City is still in phase one of the four phased approach endorsed back in June. In phase one, the City and partners are working to build capacity in the community to help provide suitable day time facilities and low barrier housing for those community members in need of these services. Concurrently the City and partners are working to manage health and safety issues at the LPBE and across downtown.
The City is approaching the end of phase one and is preparing to return to the Supreme Court of British Columbia to address the status of the LPBE. To date, progress has been positive in building capacity, evidenced by a reduction in encampment occupants, and addressing hazards, evidenced by a significant reduction in debris on site.
Snow and Ice policy information
Council also received a report for information on a review of budget impacts associated with a reduction in service levels on some specific items within the Snow and Ice Control Policy, which was requested at a meeting in June.
The three specific areas asked to be looked into were: ceasing to clear residential driveways as defined in the existing Snow and Ice Control Policy, increase snow clearing service levels minimum metrics by 2.5 cm and a reduction of snow clearing service on statutory holidays.
The report explains that the estimated savings for ceasing driveway clearing would be $225,000 per year, increasing the snow event thresholds (based on a three-year average) would save up to $204,000 per year and a reduction of services on stat holidays could see a saving of up to $846,0004 per year.
Council did not direct administration to prepare the upcoming budget with any reduction in snow and ice control service levels. Council will deliberate the final 2025 City budget in January.
Next steps on Carrie Jane Gray park upgrade
Council approved the next steps of the Carrie Jane Gray Park upgrade, agreeing to use the preferred concept plan to guide proposed phased infrastructure for Council’s consideration through annual capital budget funding submissions, commencing in 2025.
The report, which included the concept plan, explains the need for a second synthetic turf field, citing the one at Masich Place Stadium is in high demand.
The upgrades have been split into five phases taking place between 2025 and 2029. Phase one includes the design and build of a new BMX track with security fencing and lighting.
Here’s how each of these was covered elsewhere, with more info on the debates:
Bears
Bear awareness advisory committee recommendations raise funding concerns.
City Council asks for costs on Bear Awareness Committee recommendations.
Social issues
Snow and ice
Carrie Jane Park
All-weather field centrepiece of Carrie Jane Gray Park improvement plan
City Council receives concept plan for Carrie Jane Gray Park renewal.
News roundup:
More info on the vote recount happening in Prince George-Mackenzie.
Inquest into death of Indigenous woman in Prince George, B.C., recommends 24/7 monitoring.
Two women have been charged with impaired driving after hitting same parked car on Central Street East: “Witnesses reported the parked vehicle and the suspect vehicle were stuck together at the bumpers,” says Prince George RCMP Cpl. Jennifer Cooper. “Police officers arrived at the location and found two women in a small, black SUV, which was stuck to a pickup truck. Witnesses stated that after the first collision, the driver and passenger switched spots in the vehicle. When the now-driver attempted to leave the parking lot, she ended up striking the same parked car as the original driver as well as a witness who was near the parked vehicle.”
Meet the cast behind Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street.
Barkerville’s Olde-Fashioned Christmas will take place this year.
Movie filmed in Prince George attracts X-Files star William B. Davis.
Prince George boy's cancer diagnosis puts family in difficult situation.
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Send feedback by emailing northerncapitalnews@gmail.com. Find me online at akurjata.ca.
woke up to depressing news, then got excited to see (and read) an article about a film with CIGARETTE SMOKING MAN!!!!
Thanks for the boost, man. I needed that.