City council's decision to cut social development staff positions at city hall drew fire from Community Partners Addressing Homelessness (CPAH) on Monday.
"We believe this shifting of focus away from social development is shortsighted," CPAH coordinator Kerry Pateman told council during a presentation.
"Efforts to make Prince George more business friendly will not be achieved if people of this community are left without disposable income or means of providing for their families due to austerity measures in the city budget.
"A balanced approach is required that supports the well being of all community members and facilitates their active participation in supporting thriving businesses in a strong and vibrant community."
Pateman went on to note Mayor Shari Green and Coun. Murry Krause were among the delegates who went to Portland a number of years ago to see first hand that city's program for working with the
homeless.
Green acknowledged the trip and maintained social policy remains important to council but also that the city is facing a
fiscal challenge.
Krause also said council remains committed to social development and hoped the coming core review of city services will
reinforce the importance of social policy.
Coun. Brian Skakun noted that several years ago, city council stopped funding the community planning council and brought many of its services in-house only to now see Chris Bone now doing double duty as social policy coordinator and communications manager.
"I certainly feel we need an individual person doing that job," he said.
The future of Four Seasons Pool also became a topic when Canadian Union of Public Employees representative Janice Bigelow spoke to council following the CPAH presentation.
Concerned by talk among council about the facility during budget talks, Bigelow urged council members to continue to keep the pool open, saying it's used extensively.
Krause, for one, said the pool remains an important part of downtown revitalization.
