City council will have a better idea this summer of what it will take to bring a performing arts centre to Prince George.
During tonight's council meeting, city manager Beth James will present a report outlining the work that still has to be done before staff can fulfill a November 2013 resolution to refine the project's budget and establish a timeline towards construction.
Last fall, the Prince George Regional Performing Arts Society passed the baton for bringing the project beyond the concept stage into the city's hands. They also turned over a handful of reports dating back to 2006 for the city to study.
"It is recognized that this body of work comprises important information at the concept stage," James wrote in her report. "It is normal and expected that additional refinement is necessary as large projects move forward towards further design, engineering and more detailed costing phases."
The review James outlined is expected to be completed by the end of June and includes updating market conditions and reassessing building design concepts, assessing a potential role for Theatre Northwest, refining estimated capital costs, evaluating site options, refining the business plan, assessing current potential funding options and defining next steps and timelines.
"The scope of work related to administration's review is significant and will be undertaken at the same time as other priority work," James wrote.
To date, the city has already consulted with representatives from Theatre Northwest, the Prince George Playhouse, Prince George Symphony Orchestra, CN Centre, Vanier Hall and the performing arts centre society board.
Further consultation with other local production companies, promoters and theatres throughout B.C. will be completed this month and in April as well as a market demand study for performing arts and live entertainment. This will include a survey of Prince George and area residents, said James' report.
Parking fees
A bylaw to once again change the price of off-street parking is up for council approval tonight.
A Feb. 3 vote initiated by councillors Frank Everitt, Lyn Hall and Murry Krause stopped a 2013 change that saw rates jump substantially.
The bylaw amendment will reflect a 25 per cent increase over the 2013 rates for the remainder of 2014 and will institute 15 per cent annual increases for 2015 and 2016.
Making the switch will result in an approximate $156,000 shortfall in 2014 budget revenue, according to a report from legal and regulatory services director Walter Babicz.
Council will also have to decide whether to stick to the originally proposed changeover date of April 1, which will give less than the 30 days notice as set out in the city's parking agreement, or push it back to May 1.
Public hearing
An application to rezone and amend the official community plan for a property fronting Lethbridge Street to allow for a doctor's office is back to council chambers for a public hearing tonight.
An error in the proposed bylaw's reference to the city's financial plan prompted staff to pull the application from its original Feb. 3 date.
Council rescinded and re-approved second reading on Feb. 17.
Area residents have raised concerns over the potential impacts to the character of the Crescents neighbourhood, traffic volume and parking complications.
