2021 was still plagued by COVID-19, but Mayor Lyn Hall said that it was still a great year for Prince George in terms of development and investment.
Hall said that the city will have over $210 million in building permits for the year.
“It is exciting to see all of the development, whether it be the new Hyatt Place, the new student housing development, the new pool, the new fire hall, and the multitude of multi family and single residential housing that’s being built in the city.”
He added that the city has had the highest job recovery rate in BC since September 2021, and that creating jobs was a big part of what the city was trying to achieve.
“It meant that young people who were starting a family and wanted to make Prince George their home had strong employment, and they had a good housing market at good prices, and they had the ability to stay at home and enjoy all of the amenities that Prince George and the entire region have to offer.”
When asked what things he wished he could have improved upon, or hopes to improve on next year, Hall mentioned the pandemic and the struggles that were attached with that, but then started speaking on mental illness, opioid addiction, and homelessness.
“That is in fact something that every municipality wishes they could do better. And we work daily with our partners at Northern Health, and BC Housing, the Provincial and Federal Governments, on trying to meet those challenges and those needs of those folks who are on our streets and require these kinds of healthcare.”
“So that is something that we will continue to face and something we’ll continue to work hard on, but it is difficult, day in and day out.”
He said the number of people dying due to opioids in Northern Health and Prince George was mind boggling, and that they are working towards solutions, regardless of how long some of those solutions may last.
Hall also mentioned the Project Management Review that is underway with a third party group to help improve how the City starts, manages and ends major projects that it takes on.
When asked what he’s looking forward to in the new year, Hall brought up the World Women’s Curling Championship and the BC Summer Games.
“We’re going to see the World Women’s Curling Championship come to Prince George. And that is a huge event, obviously worldwide. It’ll bring recognition to our city, and I think most importantly it’ll bring a significant amount of revenue to our city for hotels and restaurants.”
“There are a number of major events that are slated to be here, and I hope that we are continue with them, at this point we are, and we’re excited about it.”
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