Renoguy24

thumbs-up

477

50

thumbs-down

City spent $21,172 on community safety town hall

PrinceGeorgeCitizen

31

The inmates ARE running the asylum, almost $7000 for a facilitator from out of town??? This council persistently displays no contact with the realities of day to day life for their employers IE: the taxpayers of this city. The next election is drawing closer day by day and I will assure you that I am seeing no action from any of you that will get one of my X's beside your names. Since when does the city have to rent its own building? Charging setup, cleanup costs sure, but rent? It our building!Many of us understand there are complexities and bureaucratic hoops to negotiate but we have also seen examples of rapid decisive action in other democracies and it is time for some meaningful action along similar lines in this city before we lose it entirely. If council does not have sufficient authority to act then it is your job to lobby upper levels of government and get them to act. Let us know and we can lend our voices to yours by writing MP's & MLA's demanding ACTION.

1

Council denies residential substance treatment centre request for temporary use permit in College Heights

PrinceGeorgeCitizen

25

Procedure Mr Mayor, the procedure of going against the OCP if you feel like and holding it up like the Holy Grail in the next instance?This council seems almost utterly incapable of doing the right thing and when a couple of councillors are actually moved to make a good choice the rest shoot them down.NIMBY's always have an inflated ego regarding Their neighbourhood but are just fine with things happening somewhere else, just as long as they dont feel uncomfortable about anything nearby.We walk on Rochester regularly and have seen nothing to tell us which residence is being referred to here but see countless properties looking like used car lots with multiple vehicles often parking on and killing lawns as well as other unattractive practices that Bylaw are helpless to deal with as Council provides no teeth in Bylaws to let them do the job. As we watch the clown car circus that is city council the idea of moving out of this city grows ever more atractive.

4

Civic Core Plan concept council approved could jeopardize future of Spruce Kings

PrinceGeorgeCitizen

26

Trust Council to go with an option that ruins a long time part of the sports scene. (Spruce Kings) It seems a no brainer that an option that allows a new arena to be built while the old one still stands and allows the team to flourish is the best choice.A Performing Arts Centre is, I suspect, a long way in the future when the probable cost is considered so a new arena where the Four Seasons Pool was, now vacant, allows Kopar Memorial to serve the Kings until a new surface is ready. After the new arena is up it would be simple to build a PAC, or as not yet thought of options, on the area that was Fire Hall 1 & Kopar Memorial.I have not been impressed by this City Council or Mayor and going with this option absolutely certifies to me that the clowns are (MIS)managing the circus and an election cannot come soon enough.Given Councils penchant for studying things it is stunning that the Spruce Kings were not consulted on how the various options presented would affect them.

2

Civic Core Plan concept council approved could jeopardize future of Spruce Kings

PrinceGeorgeCitizen

24

bracer, using CN Centre was addressed and is not feasible as there are 2 different leagues involved causing multiple issues.There is vacant land that a new arena can be built on without creating issues for The Kings and Cougars. I doubt that which side of Dominion Street the new arena is on will really matter in the long run.What I find appalling is Council failing to consult with the Spruce Kings AND thinking it is ok to leave them without a viable ice surface for perhaps 4 yrs. I guess we are only business friendly to new arrivals.

2

Cariboo-Prince George Liberal candidate's signs damaged

PrinceGeorgeCitizen

22

I have seen governments come and go over the course of a lifetime and honestly noticed little difference between Conservative or Liberal governments for the average citizen. Regardless ideological difference all goverments operate in a world with countless influences from outside that they have, literally, no control over.Every Prime Minister has had their moments to shine and also the times they could have done so much better but that said not one of them ever embarrassed us to the degree we see to the south of us from their current President.Lets try being the polite folk we are known as and allow the candidates to put out their platforms and agendas and next Monday the citizens will speak and we, as friends, neighbours, fellow Canadians can get on with life and deal with whatever comes from whomever and whatever direction as a sovereign nation with no desire to be assimilated by the Orange Toddler and its playmates, many unfit for their positions. Be the change you want to see!

3

Downtown's Birch and Boar closing its doors for good

PrinceGeorgeCitizen

23

I reported the use of good as an error and suggested "permanently" as a better term in context of the story.We have been hearing about "downtown revitalization" for amost as long as I can recall and the vast majority of what has been done seems to be with tax payer dollars as "for profit" businesses can't take the chance much of the time.Thanks Birch & Boar owners and staff for a valiant effort, best of luck in future endeavours.

1

Shirley Bond won't be running for re-election

PrinceGeorgeCitizen

20

I am now uncertain as to whether or not I will be voting in the upccoming election. I have never held party affiliation but as long as Shirley Bond was running she had my vote thanks to her dedication to the people and the position.Best wishes for a long, well deserved retirement Shirley, and thank you.

4

More bears killed in Prince George last year than in any other B.C. community

PrinceGeorgeCitizen

22

Perhaps PG needs to look at working toward Bear Aware certification in order to make serious reduction of the number of bears we kill annually. Bears look for food, NATURALLY, and our improperly handled trash is a smorgasbord in the bears mind. There are simple steps to help reduce the problem, such as washing your garbage can regularly to reduce odours, sprinkling the cleaned can with products that have a smell bears dont like, vinegar, bleach etc. Secure the container to make it difficult to get at. Freezing aromatic refuse and only putting it out on garbage day reduces attraction. We see regular evidence of bears in our neighborhood but never an issue with our can due to its difficult to access location, regular cleaning and odorizing. Yes it requires a little effort but to avoid the sad outcome of euthanasia for a beautiful animal that is just doing what comes naturally it really does not seem that big a deal. Become Bear Aware for the love of nature!

1

Trustees consider $1.93M budget cuts to school programs, staffing

PrinceGeorgeCitizen

22

How about a long hard look at the amount of management staff in the board office. Government at all levels keeps growing in spite of the fact that it does not actually produce much in the way of useful, consumable products, just more and more regulation that drives costs up.

Don't let porch pirates ruin your Christmas, Prince George

PrinceGeorgeCitizen

19

The practice of dropping packages without knocking or ringing the doorbell certainly makes it easier for thieves. When the delivery driver fails to register the delivery so the recpient is not told the package is there until later in the day is an issue also. I don't care how many pictures you have of my house number, the package at my door etc., if you dont knock or ring and that package vanishes I am not paying for it. Given the scale of the problem there needs to be some changes in how deliveries are done. You can be sure that we are all paying for this theft in higher prices to either pay for insurance or to cover for replacement product if the shipper skips having insurance.

Civic Core Plan concept council approved could jeopardize future of Spruce Kings

PrinceGeorgeCitizen

18

A referendum? Can't squeak this one through with the underhanded "alternate approval process"??How sad for you.I will remind everyone that the process requires voters to identify themselves to file the paper work which is not a ballot that no one sees how you mark. It is a objection to a specific issue and there is a record of it.At least with a referendum there is a secret ballot so all that can be known is that you were given a ballot NOT how you marked it, barring a 100% yea or nay outcome. (Highly unlikely) The alternate approval process is misnamed as doing nothing is viewed as approval and the process is not easy to say No!

Council to consider three different Civic Core plans Monday

PrinceGeorgeCitizen

17

Downtown Revitalization, a song I have heard much of my life. Parkwood, Cadillac Fairview, pools, arenas, performing art centres. Four Seasons Pool, built AND torn down in my lifetime. Aquatic Centre built and poorly maintained and a sleazy funding of repairs that bypassed having a referendum. As a business owner friend observed some time back, "forget revitalization, Downtown is moving to Westgate" and there was a fair bit of truth in that.I have always understood that with a college & university here that there is a need for a performing art centre for some types of entertainment that not everyone wants to see. These civic facilities get built on the taxpayers dollars but there needs to be some brutal realistic consideration as to whether these facilities can support themselves once built because the city is not growing and taxpayers can only afford so much. Get your heads out of the sand, no more parkade finance fiascos, self sustaining civic development PLEASE!

Rustad says BC Conservatives will release an election report in January

PrinceGeorgeCitizen

11

I would be more concerned if Elections BC told us that there were no errors found, considering the number of ridings and voters involved. Finding, admitting to and correcting any errors is what should be happening. There is a very large number of people required to conduct an election and thinking that it might be done error free is extremely optimistic.Will we see reports from the Green Party, the NDP etc.?The last thing we need is fearmongering that causes distrust in the system, there is already too much polarization and absence of elected representatives working for the good of the voters as opposed to sniping at one another looking for the tiniest thing to criticize. Look at the numbers and realize that the governing party often gets there with under 40% of the votes, clearly showing that they are not the choice of most people. It is the job of the opposition to present alternatives to try improving legislation the government presents, Not shriek that they are destroying.

5

Pending demolition of Northern Interior Health Unit prompts Northern Health to find new locations for community health services

PrinceGeorgeCitizen

14

The health unit is a relatively new building that has been well maintained, it is ridiculous to be tearing it down requiring a new home for the services provided from the building. There are all manner of much older homes in the adjacent area that thot could be purchased and removed to pfovide space for this cost bloated "tower", whose price has doubled since the first talk of actually proceeding.I truly wonder in what cloud lala land the designers working for government projects reside in, certainly doesnt seem to be one with any degree of contact with reality and the price of anything tax payers foot the bil for. The number of buildings being torn down that were built in my life time and the costs for replacement brings serious doubt to mind regarding the competence of the designers to plan for future repairs and changes in technology. The Wastemakers type of throwaway manufacturing should never have gotten incorporated into buildings. Give your heads a shake!

2

Prince George council rejects application for climate project

PrinceGeorgeCitizen

9

Why would PG want to appear forward thinking and in tune with international thinking? Just too cosmopolitan a position for BC's Norther Capital (in the southern half of the province.) How about Gateway to the North?

6

Taxpayers Federation Debt Clock ticks through Prince George

PrinceGeorgeCitizen

11

The NATIONAL debt is $1.12 TRILLION, the Provincial debt is $112 BILLION taking the individual share of the two up to OVER $50,000.00 per British Columbian. Frankly no one in an elected pisition that thinks this is ok is fit to be in office. These numbers should be in everyones faces during every federal and provincial election cycle.

2

Prince George firefighters deal with another fire at Moccasin Flats

PrinceGeorgeCitizen

6

Kay Oss, by definition islands are surrounded by water.

7

Liquidation to begin Monday at Prince George Bay store

PrinceGeorgeCitizen

12

Shoppping/buying habits change over time, the pandemic increased online shopping significantly and is simply easier and faster for many products. The Bay was quite simply not competitive in many areas. To charge 10's to 100's more for the exact same items means people with limited resources are not going to purchase from you. Many people with greater resources still compare prices and will shop at Canadian Tire or other places when there is a big price difference. If a business chooses to cater to a wealthier clientele to whom price is not very significant then they must be sure there is a sufficient number of such people within their trading area or survival is unlikely. Something we heard that a number of people found to be an issue was not opening until 11:00AM, more than a few times hearing people say that by that time they were wanting to be on the way home to prepare lunch, with their shopping done for the day. Multiple issues no doubt leading to this sad point.

Committee recommends $15.6K annual pay boost for councillors, $8.2K more for mayor

PrinceGeorgeCitizen

11

In whose mind is a 37% pay bump for a part time position a sane idea?Add to this that the amount is more than a large chunk of the population makes working full time and you have a group out of touch with reality. Then consider that this is the council at least in part that oversaw and allowed the parking garage fiasco and apparently failed to maintain the Aquatic Centre necessitating repairs in an amount close to the original building costs and it is stunning that anyone has the gall to suggest this !Elected representatives have little chance of making everyone happy and will face criticism for their performance and that is part of the job. If they face treatment that is unacceptable that needs to be addressed across the board and Not by giving them more money for hurt feelings. Perhaps begin by ignoring unmoderated media where virtually anything goes. Another idea is examining whether criticism actually has foundation in reality and if you need to reassess your position.

Downtown Prince George store won't reopen after April fire

PrinceGeorgeCitizen

11

A very sad day. Especially given the empathy Kellie showed for the homeless and disadvantaged. Downtown takes another hit as our Mayor and council consult and little else as far as can be seen. Well, other than trying to sneak in borrowing $20 Million+ to do maintenance on the pool that should have been taken care of by better design and construction along with regular maintenance. I feel so much better that they are saving money by not holding a referendum, extra $120,000.00 available to consult on some other matters that can then be ignored.