Mayor Lyn Hall is the guest speaker onJune 14 at 7 a.m. at the Signature Sandman in the next political breakfast hosted by the Prince George Chamber of Commerce.
Hall will cover many topics including building permits, major infrastructure and private development updates, opportunities for local business through major initiatives, Prince George business climate and growth, a question and answer regarding legalized cannabis and its potential impacts and public safety, upcoming events and this fall's municipal election.
"So what we wanted to do was present the building permits from at least 2016, 2017 and those issued in 2018 and give a few projections," Hall explained.
"We'll break down the building permits into the various categories (like private and public sector growth) as there is a number of categories we report out on."
Hall will talk about major development that's taking place like the construction of the Pomeroy Inn and Suites, the new condos which will be built across from city hall and residential construction.
As far as the issues around the legalization of cannabis, July 1 is still considered the date to implement, despite reports that it might be delayed, Hall said.
"We're waiting to see the agreement between the province and municipalities,"' he said.
There's a representative from the city's senior team who is a member of the provincial group that set out the agreement and Hall said that's a very good thing.
The city will have to look at policing and healthcare costs, rezoning to accommodate this new type of business, the nine-metre mark for smokers outside public buildings and as soon as the city staff work it all out, they will present their findings and proposals to mayor and council for their consideration.
He anticipates he will have a better idea of what direction the city will take and present that information during the June 14 breakfast meeting.
Hall, who announced earlier this year he will seek re-election, will talk about the ins and outs of the local general election, which takes place Oct. 20. The discussion will include things like when to file a notice if a person would like to be considered as a candidate, the campaign period, and job description for mayor and council.
Hall will talk about infrastructure development like the new fire hall and pool.
"This year is really about planning and development for both and we'll probably see some work start this fall and then demolition of the Days Inn and old RCMP building this year," Hall said.
Breakfast tickets are $25 for members, $30 for non members. For more information visit www.pgchamber.bc.ca.
