Many terms have been used to describe what has been happening lately in our city.
Most relate to the positive energy people feel when they walk around town.
There's a good vibe.
Early in our term, council determined we would be action-oriented. We would not just be directing the financial and policy decisions of administration, but effecting positive, meaningful and tangible change in the community.
On behalf of council, I would like to thank the Prince George Citizen for this opportunity to highlight some of the exciting new initiatives and developments that have occurred or been introduced just this summer and that we look forward to in the next few months.
In July, the RiverBend Seniors Community, an innovative seniors housing project combining high-end market housing with affordable living, officially broke ground. The project developer, Frank Quinn declared "Prince George is open for business."
Also last month, construction activities resumed near the Bob Harkins branch of the Prince George Public Library at a site that will become the home of a new Marriott Courtyard hotel - one of Marriott's newest designs. These two projects represent more than $70 million in private investment in the city's centre and a great many new jobs during and after construction.
In fact, by the end of July, there was already
$88.435 million in building permits reported - more than in all of 2015. Inland Kenworth's permit alone had a value of more than $13 million.
It is not only developers who are noticing there is something happening here. In early June, Rosenau Transport announced they are leasing 15,000 square feet of new cargo space at the Prince George airport. Later that month, Canfor announced they are developing a large, commercial-level bio-crude plant, right here in Prince George. That's a first-ever in the world. Next month, Lowe's Home Improvement Warehouse will be opening at Pine Centre Mall and this fall, we are looking forward to a brand new craft brewery, Crossroad's Brewing, opening in downtown Prince George.
All of this means new local jobs and an increased ability to attract professionals to our city. It also means that this summer, for the first time in over a decade, every rentable space downtown on Fourth Avenue is occupied.
Such economic development means a brighter future for everyone. Last month, the Conference Board of Canada released a report which found that Prince George has the strongest economic outlook among seven mid-sized cities from across the country and that our economy is forecast to make significant gains over the next two years.
Council would like to thank all of our outstanding local businesses for their hard work, creativity and dedication to our city's economic future.
You should be congratulated for your personal investments into local job creation, keeping your businesses looking first-rate, and keeping Prince George beautiful and vibrant.
Council is pleased to see our action-oriented philosophy embraced by administration. One great new administrative initiative is Foodie Fridays, when local vendors and trucks set up around Veterans Plaza at city hall. This event, held each Friday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. until the end of September, has been a hit with residents and the participating businesses. I have often said that city hall has the best front lawn in Prince George. How appropriate that it is now used as a catalyst in our efforts to revitalize the downtown and foster even more community pride.
This summer, we saw the benefits of the Community Celebration grants approved by council last year with the Celebrate Prince George Summer Festival. Events such as the Northern Hardware Canoe Race, Downtown P.G.'s Summerfest, and the Sound of Summer Concert gave residents lots of opportunities to enjoy our beautiful public spaces, support local businesses, and yes, celebrate Prince George. This fall, I hope you will come out to the official opening of the redesigned Cpl. Darren Fitzpatrick Bravery Park, the first skateboard park in the Hart neighbourhood, and a tribute to that brave local soldier.
Council is very happy with the city's recent progress and excited to take on the challenges still to come. This fall, I hope you will join us at the Talktober neighbourhood conversations which are connected to our priority of reconnecting with residents and partners.
Talktober involves council and members of administration coming to visit residents in their neighbourhoods during the month of October to engage in dialogues about issues that matter. Just a few topics to discuss include ways to attract more people to the downtown area and priorities for public buildings and infrastructure such as Firehall No. 1, the Four Seasons Pool, city parks and more. So watch out for further details about Talktober and join us.
As you can see, we have a lot to celebrate, plenty to talk about, and more to do and achieve.
-- Mayor Lyn Hall
