Mayor Simon Yu is calling for a return to publishing public notices in the local newspaper.
At the August 15, 2022 council meeting, administration presented city council with a report recommending that it adopt the “City of Prince George Public Notice Bylaw No. 9329, 2022,” which would specify the city’s website and Facebook page as the official public notice channels rather than the local newspaper.
The bylaw was adopted at the August 29, 2022 council meeting, and on November 1, 2022, the city discontinued its publication of public notices in the local newspaper and began publishing all notices on the city’s website and Facebook page.
“Upon careful consideration, conversations with Council colleagues, and overwhelming community feedback, I believe that the existing “City of Prince George Public Notice Bylaw No. 9329, 2022” does not align with the principles outlined in the Community Charter for facilitating effective public notice,” writes Mayor Yu in a report to council.
“The purpose of public notices is to foster transparency and accountability by providing the public with information about opportunities to express their views and engage in local government decision-making processes. While digital platforms like Facebook and a city's website can complement traditional communication methods, utilizing the local newspaper for public notices ensures a wider reach that encompasses accessibility, inclusivity, credibility, and adherence to legal mandates.”
Yu also said that given Facebook's response to the recently passed Online News Act, the City of Prince George has an opportunity to show support for local journalism and bolster its alignment with the local newspaper, rather than directing attention to a U.S. social media conglomerate.
“By selecting the local newspaper as the avenue for its public notices, the City of Prince George demonstrates an investment in transparency and conducts its legal affairs with greater openness toward its local constituents.”
He said publishing public notices in the local newspaper demonstrates a commitment to engaging with the community transparently. It indicates that the City of Prince George values open communication and actively seeks to involve residents in decision-making processes.
City council will vote on Mayor Yu’s recommendation to amend the bylaw by adding “local newspaper” as a required means of publishing for Prince George public notices at its upcoming meeting on Wednesday Aug. 16.
