The city's six mayoralty candidates had different ideas on how to capitalize on hosting the 2015 Canada Winter Games Tuesday.
Hosting the games was a key topic at an all-candidates forum hosted by the Prince George Chamber of Commerce and held at the CNC atrium. Issues such as downtown development, attracting new residents and diversifying the economy were addressed at the forum as well.
Mayor Dan Rogers said the city has to be diligent to ensure the games are delivered on time and on budget.
"I've been absolutely strong that we begin with a conservative approach to the [Games'] budget," Rogers said.
"We also have to take heed that these games have never lost money -- and I don't want to start that here. I am absolutely [sure] that because we have the right people in the right places, we will not lose dollars on the games."
Coun. Shari Green said the games will create a positive public relations legacy for the city.
"For me, that is the biggest legacy: that we did what we set out to do and did it with pride and integrity," Green said.
Candidate Brandon Lewis said the 2015 Canada Winter Games is an opportunity for the city to further invest in the downtown.
"It does give us an excuse to beautify the downtown even more," Lewis said. "[And] we can give more incentives to downtown businesses to beautify their properties."
Candidate Bruce Fader said the games could be a watershed moment for the city, in much the way that Expo '86 was for Vancouver.
"Tourism is one of B.C.'s biggest industries, and Prince George is lagging behind," Fader said. "The Canada Winter Games give us an opportunity to showcase the city."
