The City of Prince George's proposed downtown design guidelines got a passing grade from residents on Thursday.
City planning and development director Dan Milburn presented an overview of the proposed guidelines at an open house Thursday attended by approximately 20 people. Pedestrian-friendly design is the key focus of the proposed guidelines, which would apply to new construction and renovations downtown.
"We don't want to see blank concrete walls or mirrored glass. People want to see and be seen downtown," he said.
The proposed guidelines were presented to city council in September. They draw heavily on concepts developed during the Smart Growth on the Ground design process conducted in 2010 and myPG consultation, Milburn said.
One of those concepts is creating a physical connection to the Fraser and Nechako rivers through a water feature and green corridor, he said.
"You can walk around much of downtown and have no idea that you are at the confluence of two beautiful rivers," Milburn said. "The idea is to create a physical connection - that we are a river city."
Also part of creating a distinctive Prince George look will be both structural and cosmetic use of wood and incorporating concepts like living roofs, he said.
Some of the design features proposed include making buildings pedestrian friendly with lots of lighting, windows, short frontages and appealing details.
Pedestrian walkways and well-defined public spaces are also part of the proposed design plan.
Edward Clayton said the proposed guidelines would help create a more attractive downtown.
"I definitely like the plan," Clayton said. "I like the design elements. I think it'll be good for the community as a whole."
Ari Astorino said the design draws on some Old World ideas.
"It's known throughout Europe that you have to have the two-stage system - residential above and shops and restaurants downtown," he said. "I think it's a good idea. They're going the right way. [Now] it's up to the individual owners to spruce up their properties."
Silvia Spoletini said the Prince George Italian Club members came as a group to hear the proposal.
"I'm happy with it," Spoletini said.
The report can be found on the city's website at www.princegeorge.ca. Feedback from the open house and online surveys will be collected, and a final draft will be presented to city council early in 2012.
