Mayor Lyn Hall has put forward a recommendation to city council to back up from the plan to build the proposed Prince George Transit Operations and Maintenance Facility at the corner of 18th Avenue and Foothills Boulevard.
The mayor outlined a recommendation to rescind first and second readings of the project, as well as request city staff work with B.C. Transit to find another location. City council will consider his recommendation at its next meeting Monday.
"I thought it would be easier to put this forward as a mayor's report because of timing," Hall said.
"It could have been put forward as a notice of motion which again would have taken more time. It was important to get this out before people go on holiday."
Hall wrote that the recommendations are being brought forward at the request of Coun. Garth Frizzell, Coun. Susan Scott and Coun. Brian Skakun.
"I normally always support public hearings and, in this case, I am very supportive of the public feedback received," Skakun said. "Public hearings are very emotionally draining on everyone."
"Myself, along with Councillors Scott and Frizzell thought 'why put people through this?' Let's just end it now," Skakun added.
"Since I've been on council, I don't think ever seen a group so vocally opposed. The issues were overwhelming which makes it clear they don't want this."
The proposed location generated plenty of negative feedback among area residents after it was announced in March. They posted signs in the area and took to social media to drum up opposition to the plan for a storage, fueling, maintenance and washing facility for local buses.
A preliminary public hearing was held on March 8 followed by a public consultation on March 8 - March 17 allowing for the public to comment on the proposal. An open house was held last month, where residents expressed concerns about lost greenspace, noise, traffic, pollution and air quality.
"This shows people in the community that these things aren't done deals and that council is receptive of what the community has to say," Skakun said.
