Resident raises concerns over neglect

“What started this is the consistent decline I’ve seen over the years of the area,” Sharpe said in an interview. “Growing up here, seeing how it was, I watched people raise money and bring money in to build this beautiful playground. We had tennis courts behind us. We had goalposts on both sides where you came as a kid, you played football, you played soccer, you had fun with other kids. You don’t see that anymore.”

Sharpe says many of the neighbourhood’s longtime residents have personal connections to the property and remember when it was a focal point for community activity.

One of the biggest losses, he says, was the playground that once stood on the site.

“The playground missing, I think would be the first and best one,” he said. “That was a massive playground. I remember it getting put in and I can remember myself as a kid playing on it. I remember bringing my kids here playing on it.”

Sharpe argues that the concerns extend beyond nostalgia. In his letter, he describes a number of maintenance and safety issues that he believes need attention, including damaged fencing, exposed hazards, overgrown vegetation and a lack of lighting.

He says residents have repeatedly raised concerns about the property and have often stepped in themselves to help keep the area clean and safe.

“Meanwhile, residents, not the district, have been the ones keeping the area safe,” Sharpe wrote in his letter. “We’ve picked up garbage, maintained the grounds, and even intervened when homeless individuals damaged fencing or created unsafe conditions.”

The issue reached a tipping point for Sharpe after garbage bins were removed from the property and no-pet signs were installed.

He says residents had previously contacted the district about garbage can lids being screwed shut and were hoping to see improvements. Instead, he says they saw further restrictions placed on how the space could be used.

“What drove me over the edge was we raised concerns about the garbage can being lids being screwed shut because they didn’t want to deal with it and put a sign of no dogs when most of the residents around here walk their dogs and then they tear out the garbage can,” Sharpe said.

In his letter, Sharpe argues that responsible dog owners relied on the garbage bins to help keep the area clean. He also notes the property sits next to the South Fort George Family Resource Centre and says families in the neighbourhood include more than just parents and children.

“‘Family’ includes everyone who uses the grounds, and for many of us, family includes our dogs,” the letter states. “For decades, this area has been a shared community environment where families, kids, and dog owners all coexisted responsibly.”

Sharpe believes the district should take meaningful steps to restore the property rather than implement restrictions.

Among his recommendations are repairing fencing, improving lighting, restoring recreational amenities, replacing waste bins and improving overall maintenance. If the district is unwilling to take on those responsibilities, he says another option should be considered.

“We are asking School District 57 to do one of two things,” the letter reads. “Restore and properly maintain this space, fix the fencing, improve lighting, repair recreational areas, and allow responsible dog access as has been the norm for decades or transfer responsibility of the grounds to the City of Prince George, which has a track record of maintaining public spaces and ensuring they remain safe and accessible.”

Sharpe says many residents feel their neighbourhood is not receiving the same level of attention as other parts of the city.

In the letter, he points specifically to areas that receive regular maintenance, functioning lighting, safe playgrounds and intact fencing, arguing South Fort George deserves the same treatment.

He also believes the condition of the property sends a broader message to children and families about how communities are valued.

“When the people responsible for educating our children consistently maintain some neighbourhoods while allowing others to deteriorate, it sends a message,” Sharpe wrote. “Whether intended or not, it teaches kids that some communities matter more than others.”

School District 57 says it is aware of the concerns and plans to investigate.

In a statement provided to CKPG News, Superintendent Jameel Aziz said:

“SD57 had been made aware of a community concern about one of our properties. This has been shared with our Facilities Dept. who will look into the matter and its specifics next week. All staff work hard to maintain a high standard for our properties, and we are hoping that next week’s investigation and follow up will address any issues raised.”

For now, Sharpe says he is encouraged by the support he has received from neighbours and other residents who want the space restored.

If changes are not made, he says he plans to continue pushing for action, including gathering signatures through a community petition.

For Sharpe and many of his neighbours, the goal is straightforward: to see the property once again become a safe, welcoming and active community space for future generations.

by Nick Dube

Resident raises concerns over neglect

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