Further to Ms. Carol Phillips comments on the Gateway's island art, one thing is for sure . . . not everyone will agree on whether or not "art" is up to their standard or taste as was also beautifully clarified by Cynthia Rebman's letter.
The misconception that Ms. Carol Phillips had about our gift to the citizens of Prince George was that it was paid with government funds. To set the record straight, a "business improvement area" such as the "Gateway" is funded by the owners and/or tenants of the properties that encompass a certain area. Capital investments in the Gateway, such as decorative lamp posts, trees, signage, park areas, paver brick sidewalks, underground water systems, etc. are all examples that were not paid for by the citizens of Prince George, but actually gifted to them by the Gateway merchants.
Over our 15-year existence we have spent 2.4 million dollars improving our area because we care about our city and our customers, employees and neighbours. We know everyone now enjoys shopping and driving in the Gateway.
The "Gateway" BIA has without a doubt acted as a catalyst for visual improvement and beautification to an important entrance to our city. I trust and hope that this brief description will help those who make assumptions understand the reality of the "Gateway BIA."
John Enemark, president, Gateway BIA
