If we ever needed an example of how we are all connected around the world and Prince George is part of that connection to everyone, everywhere on Earth, the COVID-19 pandemic has certainly provided that. We are all tied to one another and that especially is the case in our city. That means that we are all feeling the effects together.
For the past few weeks, we’ve told the stories of those local effects in our weekly print edition and especially on our website. And you have followed those stories, with 1.5 million page views on our website in March. Normally, we float around 1 million page views per month. Our previous record was 1.3 million during the Cariboo wildfires evacuation in the summer of 2017. In other words, when Prince George residents wanted timely, important and accurate local news during this crisis they turned to The Citizen. Thank you for your trust. We’ll keep doing everything we can to earn it.
Also for the last few weeks, our office has been closed to the public with many of our staff working remotely from home. The rest of our employees have been in the office, taking phone calls and doing their part to be supportive during this challenging time. The news team has been working tirelessly to share the local, provincial and national news you need on the pandemic. They are doing outstanding work. Thank you for talking to them and sharing your stories. The advertising team has been checking in with local businesses, asking how they’re doing and how they can help them weather this storm. Those local businesses continue to support us because they recognize the valuable work we do. We’re still here, still working, still serving Prince George, same as we always have. Please continue to support us. Please support all of the local businesses that stepped up. Be there for them in the same way they are here for you.
I have lived in Prince George almost my entire life and I have never been prouder of this city and its residents. Thank you, health-care workers. Thank you, mayor and city council. Thank you, MLAs and MPs. Thank you, local business owners and operators. Thank you, employees at essential service businesses. Thank you, non-profit groups and the amazing staff and volunteers that support them.
Whatever happens in the days, weeks and months again, we will get through this together. It won’t be easy and too many of us will be affected. For those who can help in any small way, please do so in whatever way you can for those less fortunate than yourself. Stay safe, wash your hands, keep your distance, buy local, love your friends and family, smile and say hello to your neighbours and everyone you meet.
— Colleen Sparrow
Publisher and General Manager, The Prince George Citizen
