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By Victor Kaisar

Crime Forum

PG councillors to discuss creation of business and retail crime response forum

Jul 27, 2025 | 1:01 PM

PRINCE GEORGE — Prince George city councillors are set to discuss a notion of motion Monday (July 28) that will look to coordinate and facilitate a Business and Retail Crime Response Forum.

The notice of motion from Councillors Kyle Sampson and Tim Bennett says the idea for the forum comes amid “consistent and increasing concerns” raised by the business community around property crime, theft, vandalism, and safety.

“These challenges not only affect bottom lines, but also create a demoralizing and sometimes dangerous environment for frontline workers, customers, and the broader community,” the notice of motion said.

“The goal is to help build shared understanding, identify targeted opportunities for support, and foster an open channel for ongoing engagement and problem-solving.”

If approved, the forum is expected to include the RCMP as well as invited representatives from the retail and business community, including organizations like the Chamber of Commerce and Downtown Prince George.

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An invitation will also be sent to the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General asking them to participate.

“While I recognize that the City and Council have limited jurisdiction and direct mandate when it comes to policing and prosecution, that doesn’t mean we sit on the sidelines,” the notice of motion added. “This initiative is about exploring every opportunity where we can help, through facilitation, collaboration, partnership, or other supports.”

“By creating a place for dialogue and information-sharing between local retailers, RCMP, and other organizations, we can strengthen coordination and ensure everyone is better equipped to tackle this nationwide challenge.”

The notice of motion will also ask city staff to bring back a summary of outcomes and next steps identified by participants of the forum “recognizing that the City’s role is to help facilitate stronger collaboration between the RCMP and local business community to address ongoing crime and safety concerns.”

Monday’s meeting of Prince George City Council gets underway at 6:00 p.m., on July 28.