I think there could be a market for more events between Christmas and New Year’s
Plus: City ‘being held hostage’ for housing needs: Councillor Sampson
Yesterday’s newsletter had an incorrect link to the story about Trelle Morrow’s passing. Here is the correct link. Apologies for the error.
I think there could be a market for more events between Christmas and New Year’s
In the week following Christmas, I went to the Railway Museum’s Celebration of Lights and it was packed with people. The folks working there said they’d been busy all week and it’s not hard to guess why: It was pretty much the only event in town. Which isn’t to diminish it — it was very much worth the time and ticket — but it was also pretty much the only thing happening that I can imagine a family going to. Without snow there was no skating or skiing (although the skatepark had quite a few kids testing out new scooters and remote-controlled cars) so I can imagine there were a fair bit of cabin feverish families with out of town visitors or kids home from school who were just grateful for someting seasonal to get them out of the house. Which makes me wonder: Would there be a market for more post-Christmas events? There are so many things in the lead up when school is still in session and people are still at work but much less in the week of relative rest that follows December 25. Based on the number of people packed into the Railway Museum, I imagine there’s a market.
City ‘being held hostage’ for housing needs: Councillor Sampson
Yesterday, city council had an emergency meeting to approve a transitional housing development on 3rd Ave. that will include overnight shelters, washrooms and food and water. It will be operated by B.C. Housing but the land is being provided by the city, as is up to nearly half-a-million dollars to get the site ready for construction — something that frustrates councillor Kyle Sampson who voted against the project not because he doesn’t think it’s needed but because he thinks the city shouldn’t have to pay for it:
Councillor Kyle Sampson said he wants this project for the community and that it’s a need in the city, but he’s frustrated over the City paying for something that is a provincial responsibility.
“I’m frustrated because we’re already giving land for an undetermined amount of money, but I reckon a lot of money,” Sampson said.
“It feels like the province is essentially holding municipalities hostage for the highest bidder, they’re only willing to do projects like this in municipalities who are willing to put up the dollars.”
On the other hand, councillor Tim Bennett hopes it will cut costs in other areas:
“I look at this investment as a way to move forward but also not only provide a safer accommodation for our residents currently living at the encampment, but also as a way probably to be more wise with our taxpayer dollars,” said Councillor Tim Bennett.
“I think about the amount the City’s currently investing in Fire Rescue response and Bylaw response, in various investments we are currently making to be responsive to the encampment, I look at being able to bring 44 units that will accommodate those who are currently living at the encampment.”
On that topic, the number of people living in Moccasin Flats seems to be declining as a combination of cold weather and better options move in:
It’s estimated there are about 300 homeless people in Prince George. Ron is among a group of about 20 Moccasin Flats residents who continue to live there through the winter. It’s not where he wants to be.
“It’s up and down, too much anger, too much poverty,” he said.
“We just need some homes, give us some privacy. We’re humans and we deserve to live like everybody else. We can’t afford the rent so how can we go anywhere else, that’s about it.
“People are naïve, they don’t know what’s going on around here. I didn’t want to be here.”
Last week, the Association Advocating for Women and Community took over operating the warming centre in a building on the other side of the north fence that runs through the length of Moccasin Flats.
The warming centre is staffed by three outreach workers 24/7 and it provides shelter, shower/washrooms and food and drinks to all visitors. For Umpherville, it’s been a godsend.
“It’s awesome, it’s made a big, big difference,” he said. “People are smiling, people are happy.”
Quick news:
Premier David Eby is in town for the Natural Resources Forum. While here he has two announcements planned: One on mental health supports for children and youth, and one on the hydrogen industry. No indication he’s taken the invitation to tour Moccasin Flats.
Heat pumps not economical choice for home heating in cold climates, Prince George contractor says. Heat pumps, like electric cars have become politicized to a degree and you’re seeing a lot of that during this cold weather bump from certain folks on social media (the advice and article I’ve linked to aren’t policized but many of the comments and shares on it are). The reality is I’m not sure anyone has suggested heat pumps are a replacement for furnaces in extreme cold so much as a supplement for cheaper heating/cooling during the spring, summer and fall.
UNBC to display 18 Lheidli T’enneh land acknowledgement plaques.
Apparently Prince George filled 2,500 potholes last year — roughly one pothole for every 3 people.
Today’s song:
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Love reading your newsletter, Andrew! It strikes a great balance between local news and musings about PG. I think your pothole math is out by a factor of 10 ;) 2,500 x 30 = 75,000
Re: Housing. Isn’t there supposed to be more than one tower built at the NR Motors site on 1st ave? Or has that all fallen through? Move Sullivan RV and there would be room for at least two more housing apartments.