Boarded up buildings in downtown Prince George. (Image Credit: Google Maps)

By Victor Kaisar

Commercial Vacancies

Prince George council to debate temporary use pilot for empty storefronts downtown

Aug 17, 2025 | 10:13 AM

PRINCE GEORGE — Prince George City Council is set to debate a pilot project called ‘Vacancy to Vitality’ that seeks to revitalize vacant ground-floor commercial spaces in the downtown core.

The notice of motion from Councillor Trudy Klassen aims to allow a number of different types of uses in these commercial spaces for up to 12 months without rezoning, provided safety standards are met.

Those uses could include temporary food businesses, arts programs, and light manufacturing that align with downtown’s mixed-use character.

“Downtown Prince George faces economic challenges with C1 zone vacancy rates up to 25 per cent, exceeding the healthy five to seven per cent range,” Klassen said in a report going before Monday’s (Aug. 18) meeting.

“Vacant storefronts fuel perceptions of stagnation, worsened by homelessness and economic transition. A pilot could enable pop-up shops and community uses, boosting economic inclusion.”

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City Council is also being asked to allow staff to look into a temporary Retail, Business, and Creative Use Event licence, similar to special event permits, that would support these short-term uses.

“Artists and entrepreneurs face barriers like complex permits and high start-up costs,” Klassen added. “Good, functioning infrastructure is needed to support any venture, and so a report back on identified improvements needed to support the pilot project is needed.”

“The Downtown Prince George Downtown Business Improvement Association, Chamber of Commerce and other stakeholders support a pilot to activate vacant storefronts.”

Should the pilot go ahead, staff will be asked to bring back a report on the outcomes including business activity, community engagement, and occupancy rates. It will also include recommendations for improvements as the initiative may be expanded across Prince George if it proves to be successful.