Council has given their blessing for the relocation of an adult-oriented business to the Gateway neighbourhood.
Despite opposition from members of the Gateway Business Improvement Association and neighbouring residents, unanimous approval was given on third reading for an application to allow Shagg to move to the former Sakura restaurant on Victoria Street.
"This is a land-use issue, not a moral one," said Coun. Murry Krause.
The move of the adult store from its current Redwood Square location is necessary to introduce outdoor outfitter Wholesale Sports, explained realtor Clint Dahl.
"We need to completely vacate the building," he said, noting the property would be expanded by 6,500 square feet for the new retailer.
Gateway BIA executive member Ken Leboe said the adult store creates a negative connotation, one which is not welcome in the "special area" of the Gateway.
"It devalues what has been collectively invested by all the stakeholders," he said, also remarking that there is "no doubt a proper place for this retail opportunity is out there."
Long-time BIA chair John Enemark said he didn't think that adding Shagg to the Gateway would enhance the area's image.
The relocation may only be two blocks, but the new store would be now be bordering residential areas, argued another neighbour.
"In my honest opinion, I believe Shagg would be an asset to the Gateway community, by providing a world-class store, an improved and sophisticated exterior, and to be an advocate of tasteful community standards in the operation of our business," said a letter written by Shagg owner Michael Pockett.
The work that the Gateway BIA has done to improve the area over the years is not be taken lightly, said Coun. Lyn Hall.
However he said he saw the application as checkers game, moving pieces around to facilitate what could be "a real gem for Prince George" - namely, Wholesale Sports.
Getting the retailer in downtown Prince George is a huge win for the community, added Coun. Cameron Stolz, who noted the store had come close to moving in to College Heights a few years ago.
Coun. Albert Koehler said he visited the store earlier in the day, having never been there before, and was "pleasantly surprised" by what he saw, noting the business was "tidy and not really offensive."
Mayor Shari Green said she also visited the store and noted there were mainstream lingerie shops with racier window displays.
"You see more sensual material walking through Pine Centre mall than you do from the exterior of Shagg," said Dahl, who keyed in on the store's nomination for a Chamber of Commerce business award and its full designation as a romance enhancement centre. "It's for couples."
