Regarding the proposed site for the new BC transit maintenance facility at the west end of 18th Avenue, next to Cranbrook Hill. I no longer reside in P.G., but I am a city planner in another municipality who understands the severe implications of this proposal on the future of the community.
This application proposes to remove the city park/open spaces designation from the Official Community Plan and amend it to allow industrial maintenance yards. Based on the historic land use pattern of the city, this proposal is not appropriate at this location.
I recognize that the initiative to expand transit infrastructure in the P.G. region is important. A healthy local transit system supports sustainability initiatives and helps to provide a better quality of life for all citizens. It's the location that needs to be changed. Next to this site is a busy regional recreational hub, and an extensive multi-season trail system which supports the nearby university and residential neighbors. There is future multi-family residential development, and with the exception of a B.C. Hydro transmission station, there is no other industrial development in the area.
Map B-10 in the OCP illustrates that the future road extension for Foothills Boulevard is also directly adjacent. When the road extension is completed, the transit facility will create an unattractive industrial landscape as motorists travel down this corridor past the trail system of Cranbrook Hill, and the recreation fields of Exhibition Park. B.C. Transit may claim that this is the "only viable location' based on their business objectives, however it is the wrong location for the objectives of the surrounding neighborhood.
My questions to the City of Prince George include the following:
Other than the OCP (which was written in 2012 and didn't foresee an industrial yard at this location which is why it is being amended), has city council previously approved a long-term neighborhood plan that supports industrial development in this part of the city?
If not, how can city administration justify supporting this piecemeal development that is clearly in conflict with adjacent land uses?
Next steps in the planning process include a public open house on Thursday and a public hearing at council. Please everyone, come out to the open souse and tell the city that you disagree with the location of the transit facility. If this goes ahead, it will cause damage to the future of your city!
Jared Kassel
Cochrane, Alta.
