I am 70 years old and have lived in Prince George since 1972.
You might say, well so what? Who cares? And you would be right, if that was all there was to it.
So now, the rest of the story, as Paul Harvey would say.
All these years I've never had a reason to make a trip to Kamloops until now. My, what an eye opener. That city is alive. A miniature Vancouver if you like. Nice wide sidewalks complete with sidewalk cafes with lots of decorations, such as trees, flowers. etc. Lots of people shopping and enjoying being downtown.
I only saw two vacant lots but both had construction going on and both were right downtown.
I never saw any burnt or boarded up buildings or stores just closed and left as is.
It makes me wonder what's wrong with Prince George. George Street and Third Avenue are turning into a dump.
OK. OK. Give credit where credit is due. They just finished a really nice building on George St.
You know as well as everyone else that development downtown is really slow. Redevelopment has been talked for 40-plus years mainly at election time.
Whoever wants to get elected ( especially the Mayor) always brings up the subject of redevelopment. Remember Fairview Cadillac? They had a chance but blew it. It's been talked about so much, it's become a joke.
With an election under way, we should start to hear some of the same old announcements soon.
It's time to stop talking and put that talk into action. Take the bull by the horns. Get rid of those old fire traps (buildings) and lets build a downtown we all can be proud of.
Stop listening to the bleeding hearts, land building owners who by the way only think about their own pockets. Some don't even live here and have no interest in Prince George, unless it hits them in their wallet.
When a building burns down they put up a sign saying what was there. It's time to get rid of the signs and get on with a building program.
Small town thinking has got to go. All roads do not lead to Northern Hardware. Come on with it and turn this town into a showcase. Start running this city like you should and never mind what they think or say in the Millar Addition. They aren't the only taxpayers.
Kenneth Mason
Prince George
