Saying there has been a lack of consultation on the idea, Downtown Prince George calling on the B.C. government to reconsider a decision to move the social assistance office to the old Spee-Dee Stationers building.
"The proposed new location is in very close proximity to a daycare, a senior centre, a church, service-based businesses, and other community retail," the Downtown Prince George Business Improvement Association (Downtown Prince George) says in a media release issued Monday.
"We know that this location is not appropriate for the services offered by the (Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction). We do not trust that the province has the best interest of our downtown community with this decision."
DPG goes on to say meaningful consultation was not conducted prior to the decision and since that time attempts to suggest more appropriate locations and possible partnerships, have been disregarded.
The controversy dates back to at least February 2020 when the Prince George and District Senior Citizens Activity Centre, located across the street at 425 Brunswick St. from the 490 Brunswick St. location submitted a 68-signature petition to city council raising concerns about parking, foot traffic and safety.
But because the site is already zoned for the use, the proposal did not have to go through a public hearing and the best city council could do was to seek a meeting with ministry officials.
As well, then social development and poverty reduction minister Shane Simpson made it clear the move was going ahead.
The provincial government has entered an agreement to purchase the building. The move was made because the lease for the office's current location at 1445 10th Ave. will not be renewed.
But the lease expires in early 2024 and DPG is hoping a petition will prompt Victoria to change its mind.
"We understand that the services offered by the Ministry at 1445 10th Avenue are valuable to the community, but our concerns come from real experience with what has occurred in that location over the last several years," DPG said.
The organization went on to say the ministry has failed to provide a safe environment for surrounding businesses, their customers, and the public, to protect the property of surrounding businesses and to "provide a safe and inclusive environment for those with addictions and mental health issues to have positive interactions."
Reached Monday, Prince George-Valemount MLA Shirley Bond echoed DPG's claim that the ministry failed to properly consult surrounding neighbours and added she will continue to raise the issue in the legislature.
"What Downtown Prince George has asked for is reasonable and that is ongoing dialogue and consultation that is meaningful," Bond said.
Signatures on the petition are being invited at www.downtownpg.com.
