Downtown Prince George has been seeing some new friendly faces wandering the streets over the last few weeks.
Complete with big smiles and brightly covered vests, the Downtown Host Team is making their presence known in an attempt to help foster a safe and positive atmosphere for downtown businesses, residents, workers and visitors.
The city of Prince George implemented the pilot initiative in partnership with Tourism Prince George, BC Housing and the Association for Advocating for Women and Children (AWAC).
According to the city, the Host Program includes contracted security personnel, tourism ambassadors and outreach workers scheduled for shifts from 9:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m., Monday to Saturday.
The idea is to connect people to services, welcome visitors and tourists and build relationships within the downtown community, the city says.
The program is supported by the City’s Service Centre, the RCMP, Tourism PG and Downtown Prince George.
“This pilot program stems from Council’s priorities and strategies relating to ensuring an inclusive, safe community, advancing progress in the downtown and providing growth and development opportunities for the area,” said Chris Bone, manager of social development for the city of Prince George.
“This is an example of a great collaboration among the participating organizations. Each has a vested interest in ensuring a positive and safe experience for all who visit, live or work in the downtown.”
Tourism PG staff are ready to answer questions from visitors.
“Tourism Prince George is pleased to have a dedicated Tourism Ambassador to act as another touch point for visitor services outside of the Visitor Centre. The Tourism Ambassador is able to provide visitors with information about local events, maps and directions and dining and shopping recommendations in the city in a mobile capacity,” said Erica Hummel, CEO of Tourism Prince George.
AWAC staff assist with connecting people to the proper resources who are in need of food, housing and health services.
“AWAC is proud to support the city and the Host Program. It’s an opportunity to not only build relationships with the downtown community, but to continue to provide support services to individuals who are on the street,” said Connie Abe, executive director of AWAC.
“It also gives AWAC an opportunity to connect with individuals who may not know of the services we provide such as accessing food, housing and health services.”
Program participants are trained with the city in various areas including non-violent intervention skills, contacting RCMP protocol, and how to offer referrals and resources.
The pilot project began in July and will end Sept. 10.
Participants will collect data and record incidents and interactions throughout the program. A review will follow to determine whether or not the program will continue next summer.
The City of Prince George is providing funding of $15,000 for security personnel of throughout the duration of the program.
