UBCM convention a “productive week” for Prince George

It was a busy week for Prince George City Council at the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM)convention in Vancouver last week.

Council members and city staff spent week advocating for key policy issues affecting the region, and engaging with various levels of government.

Top priorities for the City at the conference included homelessness, housing, and mental health and addictions.

Some of the highlights for the City of Prince George include:

• Mayor Simon Yu was invited to present to the Canadian Carbon Solutions Coalition (CCSC).  He spoke about Prince George’s Hydrogen Hub and how the city is leading the way in fostering sustainable development.
• Members of Council and staff held numerous meetings with ministers and crown corporations, including: Office of the Premier, Ministry of Housing, Attorney General, Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions, Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, Ministry of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation, Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness, BC Hydro and ICBC.
• In the meeting with Premier Eby, the need for a helipad in conjunction with the new acute care tower at the hospital was discussed.  A preliminary commitment was made, which Premier Eby referenced again in his closing remarks at the conference.
• Councillor Cori Ramsay was elected First Vice-President of the UBCM executive team.   She previously held the position of director at large.
• Council also took two resolutions for the assembly to vote on. Those motions and their status are:
  1. Urge the Ministry of Education and Child Care to introduce mandatory Holocaust education to elementary schools as of the 2024 – 2025 academic year.    Referred to UBCM Executive.
  2. That there be thought given to a mechanism by which local governments can recoup the equivalent of property tax for childcare centres operating on school property.   Not endorsed.

“The City of Prince George hade an incredibly productive week at UBCM, working as an unified team to advocate for key issues that matter most to our residents,” Yu said.

“Our council and staff worked tirelessly to make sure that Prince George’s voice was heard at provincial government level, and I’m proud of the progress we’ve made together. From addressing housing and mental health challenges to positioning our city as a leader in sustainable development, this was a strong week for our city.”