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By Adam Berls

city council

Mr. PG not quite on the move yet after council weighs options

Oct 7, 2024 | 9:15 PM

PRINCE GEORGE — Moving Mr. PG to a new location was discussed at council on Monday night.

In a report to council, city administration writes that “increased development on the corner of Highways 16 and 97 has made it difficult for residents and visitors to gain safe access to him and it is also becoming increasingly challenging for staff to promote him, provide adequate maintenance, and set up flags and lights as requested.”

With those concerns in mind, city staff began to “look at several locations where Mr. PG would be easily accessible with an attractive background to enable residents and visitors to take pictures with him to showcase Prince George.”

The report notes that the overall consensus is to “align Mr. PG with the Visitor Information Centre again.” Mr. PG will be located in a space “that is safe and easy to access, providing an attractive backdrop for photo opportunities which will give him – and the City – maximum exposure.” In 2012, Mr. PG was moved to his current location after the Visitor Information Centre was relocated.

Director of Civic Facilities and Events Andy Beesley said that it would cost “tens of thousands of dollars” to move Mr. PG and that the City could use Mr. PG more as a “business asset rather than a welcome sign.”

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Directional signage starting at the corner of Highway 97 and Highway 16 will be a priority within the plan and will guide visitors straight to Mr. PG. With many local restaurants and small businesses in the area, “directing people to visit Mr. PG will also encourage people to stay longer to dine and shop in our City, driving an increase of revenue back to our local economy.”

Councillor Brian Skakun says that people in the community are “not happy with the decision” to relocate Mr. PG to Canada Games Plaza. He also said that Mr. PG would have less visibility downtown. Councillor Cori Ramsay said that Mr. PG downtown would draw people into the downtown and to Prince George in general. She wants to see more options from adminstration brought forward to council.

Mayor Simon Yu brought forward the idea of having two Mr. PG’s, potentially a “Mrs. PG.” Councillor Ron Polillo echoed the Mayor’s sentiments, and wanted his colleagues to consider having two Mr. PG’s, saying “why can’t Prince George have both?” Councillor Susan Scott said that Mr. PG’s current location is “diminishing to Mr. PG as a mascot.” Councillor Trudy Klassen put forward an idea of having a 2D version of Mr. PG beside the “Welcome to Prince George” sign at the intersection of Highways 97 and 16, and have Mr. PG downtown.

“I think there can only be one Mr. PG.” said Councillor Kyle Sampson. He mentioned that having multiple Mr. PG’s “takes away the magic.” Sampson mentioned that he would not be opposed to having a cut-out or interactive version of Mr. PG in Canada Games Plaza.

Councillor Brian Skakun put forward a motion for administration to return with a report with more community engagement and information for council to consider, which was passed unanimously.

Councillor Polillo put forward a motion to have administration bring forward a report to council about looking at options to having two Mr. PG’s. That was passed 5-2, with Councillor’s Sampson and Bennett opposing.

The next steps for the city are:

1. Project plan – determine the current structural integrity of Mr. PG, assess proposed locations, develop the project plan, and estimate budget
2. Funding options – research available grants and partnership funding, determine if any capital funding requests will be needed
3. Communications strategy – create a strategy to promote Mr. PG as a City attraction

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X: @AdamBerls

Email: Adam.Berls@pattisonmedia.com