This year was a tumultuous, eventful time for Prince George.
It's a been a year of big projects, big announcements, big controversies and big changes.
While 2012 appears to offer more of the same, it's worth taking a moment to reflect on some of the highlights of 2011:
High points
- One of the high points of 2011 was an event which didn't happen: a murder. Prince George went homicide free for the first time since 2005.
- On Sept. 15 Premier Christy Clark committed to build the Wood Innovation and Design Centre on the site of the former Prince George Hotel. Clark said the province plans to make the building the tallest multi-use wood structure in the world.
- Construction of Kordyban Lodge began this year, in large part thanks to donations by two local families and one local business. The family of William Kordyban donated $2 million in his memory to the Canadian Cancer Society. The Novak family and West Fraser Timber each contributed $1 million to the $10 million project.
- Thousands of paper cranes were folded and thousands of dollars raised in Prince George to support disaster relief efforts in Japan, following the March 11 earthquake and tsunami which devastated the northeastern region of the country. Prince George residents also rallied to support the residents of Slave Lake, Alta. which was savaged by a wildfire and the tenets of Victoria Towers who were driven out of their homes by a fire.
Low points
- Prince George defended its title as the Maclean's Magazine Most Dangerous City in Canada. Prince George topped the list in 2010 and again this year - and has been in the top five most dangerous cities in Canada since the rankings began four years ago.
- The May 28 disappearance of Madison Scott, 20, from a campsite at Hogsback Lake launched a massive search and advertising campaign. Prince George embraced the search for the missing Vanderhoof woman.
- The Prince George Cougars were knocked in the first round of the WHL playoffs in four games with the Kelowna Rockets. The Prince George Spruce Kings ended their regular season with 30 wins, 40 losses, one OT loss and six shootout losses - not enough to earn a playoff berth.
- Prince George said goodbye to some of its shining stars in 2011, including well-known music and theatre coach Betty Marie 'Bunny' Murray. Murray, 80, passed away in July.
Controversies
- The trial, conviction and attempted censure of city councillor Brian Skakun for violating the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act gave Prince George residents plenty to talk about around the water cooler in 2011.
- A proposed women's addiction treatment centre at the former Haldi Road elementary school on Leslie Road continues to get folks hot under the collar. Opponents of the centre have launched a legal challenge against the city's decision to rezone the former school, ensuring this is one issue which will continue into 2012.
- To build a new arena or not to build a new arena was a question city council had to battle with in May and June. On June 27 Mayor Dan Rogers brought the issue back before city council, when council ultimately decided to rebuild the Kin 1 arena rather than build a new arena.
- The 2011 municipal election sparked public debate about taxation and city services. Former councillor Shari Green defeated former mayor Dan Rogers on a pro-business, anti-taxation platform.
Hopes for 2012
- With the lack of murders and excellent work done by the RCMP Downtown Enforcement Unit, Prince George may top the Maclean's Magazine annual list - in the most improved category.
- Mayor Shari Green and her new council have been elected with a strong mandate to address municipal spending in 2012. We hope they will be able to deliver - while still upholding the commitment to avoid layoffs and service cuts at City Hall.
- Hopefully the controversy surrounding the proposed women's addiction centre at the former Haldi Road school can reach a conclusion both area residents and project developers can be happy with - without a lengthy, expensive legal battle involving the City of Prince George.
- And, like all residents of Earth, we hope the world does not come to a sudden and abrupt end on Dec. 21, 2012 - as predicted by the Mayan calendar.
From the staff and management of the Prince George Citizen, have a safe and happy New Year.
