By Tommy Osborne

Senior Centres

Seniors’ centres grateful for donations following City Council decision

Dec 30, 2025 | 3:18 PM

PRINCE GEORGE – Following a Prince George City Council decision to not use the remainder of the 2025 Council Contingency Fund to support seniors’ centres, the Treasure Cove Casino has stepped up by donating $2500 to each of the five centres in Prince George.

“I’m pleased that it happened here because it didn’t happen in city council,” said Bud Burbee, President of the Prince George and District Senior Citizens Activity Centre Society.

“It’s generous. It’s a treat for us, especially at this time of year and especially because its cash. We sometimes get money with strings attached, specified for something. Same with our grants, when we put in grants its often for a program or an event or something. In this case, it’s cash, so we can use it where our needs are most needed,” Burbee added.

The original motion was brought forward by Mayor Simon Yu, and would have seen around $3000 go to each centre. While Yu was disappointed to see his motion voted down, he says he’s really happy to see local businesses step up.

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“Hopefully this tides them over until the new year, and then we’ll go from there and then see if more business people will come forward and raise a little bit more money and then we’ll see if council agrees to establish some enhancement program during the 2026 budget to give them a little bit more permanent help,” Yu said.

“I really appreciate what Mayor Yu did, and the other two that voted with him on that (Councillors Brian Skakun and Trudy Klassen) on the motion. Let’s hope we have a more happier year next year with our dealings with City Council,” Burbee says.

Senior supports will continue to be discussed by council in the new year, and both Yu and Burbee are hoping for stronger, and more consistent, support.

“Like the arts in the city, we’re so far behind in funding. And the city council now have put forward a plan for next year, but they haven’t come to ask us what we want. They are decreeing what it is that they’re going to do for us, it would be nice if they came and asked, ‘what do you need?'” Burbee said.

“We as a council, every one of us should visit all five senior centres to see what they do and see what type of help they need,” Yu said.

Burbee says the $2500 donation will be used for staff salaries and utilities.