By Dave Branco

Public gets arena say

Apr 24, 2026 | 1:52 PM

PRINCE GEORGE – The CN Centre has exterior walls that are allowing moisture to enter, and the city is seeking nearly $ 16 million to repair them.

Starting April 28, the city will begin an alternate approval process for the CN Centre building envelope renewal project. This is one of five capital projects being presented to residents this spring. The project is expected to cost $15.86 million, based on 2026 construction estimates. It will replace exterior walls, windows, doors, and roofing, and also includes structural repairs, electrical upgrades, and new signage.

Civic Facilities and Events Director Andy Beesley says the repairs are not because of poor upkeep. “This work isn’t due to a lack of maintenance,” he said. “The arena undergoes regular, annual maintenance and upgrades. This comes down to the age of the building.”

The CN Centre marked its 30th anniversary in 2025. The city says the building’s exterior has reached the usual replacement stage for facilities of this age. If the project is approved, construction will happen during the summers of 2027 and 2028 to avoid interfering with the Prince George Cougars’ schedule.

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City Councillor Susan Scott says the alternate approval process, or AAP, is more cost-effective than holding a separate referendum, which would cost about $120,000. With the AAP, residents who oppose the borrowing must submit a signed response form. If 5,767 eligible voters, or 10 percent of the electorate, send in these forms before the deadline, the issue goes back to the council.

The last time an AAP failed locally was when residents blocked a proposed $ 3.56 million dike along River Road. Scott says she does not have a personal stake in the outcome this time. “I simply want it to be decided,” she said.

The city warns that delaying the AAP or waiting until October’s municipal election to hold a referendum would raise the project’s cost above the current estimate.

by Dave Branco

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Public gets arena say

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