By Cheryl Jahn

Sobering Centre

Sobering Centre for PG?

Oct 25, 2019 | 2:52 PM

PRINCE GEORGE – While most of us are familiar with the troubles with illicit drugs in the downtown, the RCMP is highlighting another, often- ignored issue.

“I think something that gets overlooked as of late is the alcohol problem in the downtown core, which has existed for decades in cities like Prince George,” says Superintendent Shaun Wright with the Prince George Detachment. “There’s a core group of individuals down there that cause the exact same problems downtown that we end up arresting because there’s nowhere else for them to go.”

Supt. Wright came to Prince George three years ago. And when he did, noticed one glaring omission.

“There isn’t a sobering centre. You look at other communities, particularly on Vancouver Island, there are many smaller communities that have such a thing and I think with the historic problems with alcohol abuse, particularly among the homeless population here, that’s something that would substantially benefit this city.”

Most recently, the City earmarked $168,000 to facilitate access to washrooms in the downtown, as well as lockers. The City pays $144,000 per year for two additional bylaw enforcement officers. In a report to Council, Administration revealed the City spends roughly $1.1 million annually on downtown health and safety initiatives.

BCHL Playoffs

Langley's goalie steals game one over Spruce Kings

14h ago

ckpg news special

The Resource Reality

Apr 03, 2026

Crime

Paramedics injured after object thrown through ambulance window

Apr 03, 2026

“There’s a lot of offloading and downloading from the senior levels of government hitting us,” says Councillor Brian Skakun, who has been one of the most vocal about the issues plaguing the downtown. “The RCMP, a couple of years ago, started doing parole checks at night taking away from their other duties. We have Car 60, which is a mental health unit that goes around the community. But in the end, the RCMP and the City are picking up the costs for all these things that aren’t necessarily our financial responsibility.”

He says Mayor and Council need to meet with their downtown partners and quickly.