By Cheryl Jahn

Council is still seeking a permanent reception centre

Jul 28, 2025 | 3:15 PM

PRINCE GEORGE – They’re back. The ATCO trailers behind Kin One, designed to serve as a reception centre for potential wildfire evacuees. Last year was set to be a pilot program for the City who seeks a bricks and mortar as a reception centre. This community saw 375 evacuees that year. But the City is trying to make a case for a permanent reception centre.

“Last year, I had the opportunity to tour the minister through and we spoke about the importance of not just having somewhere permanent set up, but also allowing us to respond quickly and respond to better use taxpayer dollars. And that’s been our task as a community,” explains Councillor Tim Bennett, who is a strong advocate of a permanent reception centre.

In a statement, the Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness noted it has provided $155,000 in 2024 to build capacity and, to date, has provided an additional $88,000 for the temporary reception centre. But for Bennett, the word “temporary” is the sticking point.

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“Recognizing that there is only one taxpayer and we’re dealing with a lot of competing crises right now. I can understand the decision, but I’m still disappointed by it and will continue to risk. We’ll continue to just push and show the importance of our community.”

Even the North Central Local Government Association passed a resolution to request the province fund a permanent reception centre in the city, much like has been established in Kamloops.

“We’ve been fortunate to have the support of NCLGA and, yes, we’ve received some funding to get the temporary units set up and ready to respond, but we know that we can be quicker and respond more effectively with a permanent centre similar to Kamloops.”

So what’s next for the City?

“Council will continue to advocate, whether it’s through our opportunities to meet with ministers, at you become we always welcome ministers to our community.”