Mid-sized cities, like Prince George, are in an unenviable position.
Decades of suburbanization (which comes with the typical national or global chains) undermine the health of the downtown, and opportunities for local businesses to thrive. More recently it was the "big box stores" but in previous decades it was Pine Centre, Spruceland and other like development.
Compare this to the "small city" like Quesnel where suburbanization has occurred at a much slower pace, and as a result, the downtown has not endured as many threats. Although, the pace of more recent developments at the southern periphery of the city, suggests it is following the same trajectory of Prince George.
While there are no doubt a variety of factors at play, consider another small city, Nelson, BC. Over its history, it has resisted the forces of suburbanization. The result is a thriving downtown and city with a strong local business scene (again, I acknowledge there are other factors playing a role).
While "large cities" also face the impacts of suburbanization, they have unique features including well-developed transit systems, major employers, institutions, and a concentration of high-density housing in the downtown that helps to counter the impacts of suburbanization - which continues to draw development into the downtown. Moreover, they are in the enviable position of having reached the "tipping point" where they have created a downtown environment that people want to be in (while not a "large city," it seems to me that Kelowna is on the verge of getting there). This continues to fuel further change.
I’m from Quesnel. And I go to PG regularly because it is a medium size city with medium city amenities I don’t have in my small town…. International airport, medium venue that hosts all sorts of shows (guaranteed Ice Cube not playing Q), a Costco. I don’t think PG is small, by Canadian standards anyway. And I totally agree, Quesnel is just the right size of town, we have a bit of most things that I can drive to in 10 minutes or less. And free parking, another small town indicator.
From what I understand, the changes to Quesnel's downtown took place over a decade and were politically painful for Bob Simpson but amounted into something that was eventually beloved by the residents.
As for Prince George being too big to have both chains and beloved local spots, I think you're dead wrong. If that were the case, I think you would have to say Wall of Fame should be dead to Subway and Ritual should be dead to Starbucks, right? Crossroads exists with Pizza Hut. Nancy O's exists despite Earls and Moxies.
I think the fundamental truth about our lack of bakery (or equivalent cute local business) is sadly a bit more existential. Go to the Farmer's Market - we have amazing bakers in town who regularly sell out their bread and maintain lines around the indoor square. Our city A) has failed to create economic conditions where opening a brick and mortar is feasible and B) our city has not attracted and/or retained someone with the skills to open a Quesnel Bakery tier local stop.
Dammit Andrew. Now I have to write a whole other newsletter cancelling you again because of this newsletter.
I think your line of thinking is correct!
Mid-sized cities, like Prince George, are in an unenviable position.
Decades of suburbanization (which comes with the typical national or global chains) undermine the health of the downtown, and opportunities for local businesses to thrive. More recently it was the "big box stores" but in previous decades it was Pine Centre, Spruceland and other like development.
Compare this to the "small city" like Quesnel where suburbanization has occurred at a much slower pace, and as a result, the downtown has not endured as many threats. Although, the pace of more recent developments at the southern periphery of the city, suggests it is following the same trajectory of Prince George.
While there are no doubt a variety of factors at play, consider another small city, Nelson, BC. Over its history, it has resisted the forces of suburbanization. The result is a thriving downtown and city with a strong local business scene (again, I acknowledge there are other factors playing a role).
While "large cities" also face the impacts of suburbanization, they have unique features including well-developed transit systems, major employers, institutions, and a concentration of high-density housing in the downtown that helps to counter the impacts of suburbanization - which continues to draw development into the downtown. Moreover, they are in the enviable position of having reached the "tipping point" where they have created a downtown environment that people want to be in (while not a "large city," it seems to me that Kelowna is on the verge of getting there). This continues to fuel further change.
I’m from Quesnel. And I go to PG regularly because it is a medium size city with medium city amenities I don’t have in my small town…. International airport, medium venue that hosts all sorts of shows (guaranteed Ice Cube not playing Q), a Costco. I don’t think PG is small, by Canadian standards anyway. And I totally agree, Quesnel is just the right size of town, we have a bit of most things that I can drive to in 10 minutes or less. And free parking, another small town indicator.
From what I understand, the changes to Quesnel's downtown took place over a decade and were politically painful for Bob Simpson but amounted into something that was eventually beloved by the residents.
As for Prince George being too big to have both chains and beloved local spots, I think you're dead wrong. If that were the case, I think you would have to say Wall of Fame should be dead to Subway and Ritual should be dead to Starbucks, right? Crossroads exists with Pizza Hut. Nancy O's exists despite Earls and Moxies.
I think the fundamental truth about our lack of bakery (or equivalent cute local business) is sadly a bit more existential. Go to the Farmer's Market - we have amazing bakers in town who regularly sell out their bread and maintain lines around the indoor square. Our city A) has failed to create economic conditions where opening a brick and mortar is feasible and B) our city has not attracted and/or retained someone with the skills to open a Quesnel Bakery tier local stop.
Dammit Andrew. Now I have to write a whole other newsletter cancelling you again because of this newsletter.