Frustration mounts as province prepares to move social assistance office

The province confirmed they had purchased the new building at 490 Brunswick Street for a total of $1.5 million with further renovations expected.

Lyn Hall, Mayor of Prince George said the proposed location is not what he had in mind.

“I had talked about 1st Avenue, as you know we’ve got an investment in 1st Avenue where we’ve seen 50 new modular housing units, we’ve got our integrated health model going in there,” said Hall. “My proposal in fact was that would be a location.”

Todd Corrigall, CEO of the Prince George Chamber of Commerce also outlined his concerns with the chosen location citing safety concerns for the PG Seniors Centre and the daycare located across the street at the Trinity United Church.

Corrigall said the city needs to use its powers to ensure the zoning does not allow for the welfare office to open successfully.

According to Corrigall and Downtown PG, the consultation on this move did not happen.

In a statement, the province said they did engage several businesses including the Trinity United Church. and others nearby.

“Citizens’ Services also met virtually with the PGDBIA in May 2020, June 2020 and November 2021.”

The province said conversations with the Prince George Downtown Business Improvement Association are ongoing.

“The office is an important community resource that provides services for some of the most vulnerable people in the province, and the Ministry continues to be committed to operating as a good neighbour to nearby businesses and organizations,” said a Ministry spokesperson.

Downtown PG has launched the petition on their website which as of Monday afternoon it had 145 signatures.

by Caden Fanshaw

Frustration mounts as province prepares to move social assistance office

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