Council approves first phase of capital framework

Oct 4, 2021 | 8:40 PM

PRINCE GEORGE – Council heard in great detail a new framework that will guide future capital projects.

Council heard the “grim” picture from Colliers Project Leaders about where the City fell through the cracks when it comes to project management.

“This didn’t happen overnight,” noted Councillor Brian Skakun, who called it “absolutely embarrassing” how Prince George weighed up against peer communities and how they handle their project management.

But the report also set out some recent changes that are a benefit, such as changes at the top, and changing the discretionary spending of the City Manager.

“We would still be screaming into the great abyss without a change in upper management,” said Councillor Terri McConnachie.

The report sets out 45 action items broken down into nine general categories and lays out specific roles for everyone involved, from staff to administration to Council.

However, while a ton of work has been done, there’s still much to still do before the framework is ready for the training stage.

“This is really going to make a difference in our community,” Councillor Cori Ramsay.

The consultant was hired following the downtown parkade project prompted a legal audit.

The project, and a few others, were grossly over budget before Council came to realize it, prompting Mayor and Council to promise the audit.