Proposed location of 490 Brunswick Street. Photo courtesy Google Maps

By Thomas Doucet

Downtown PG

Downtown PG launches petition to stop proposed move for social services office

Mar 11, 2022 | 4:08 PM

PRINCE GEORGE – A petition to stop the Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction from moving to a new location on Brunswick Street has been launched by the Downtown Prince George BIA (Business Improvement Association).

Downtown PG cites several issues with the proposed move including concerns for businesses who would be nearby the new location.

The newly proposed location is not appropriate for the location according to Downtown PG.

The new building on Brunswick Street would be near a daycare, senior center and retail stores that could be negatively affected according to the local organization representing downtown businesses.

The group claims that the province has not provided a safe environment for those with addiction and mental health issues and is not managing the negative behavior brought on by the people visiting the center.

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According to a statement provided, although the services offered by the Ministry at 1445 10^th Avenue are valuable to the community as a whole, the Ministry to date, has not:

• Provided a safe environment for surrounding businesses, their customers and the public.
• Provided protection of the property of surrounding businesses.
• Managed the negative behavior of its clientele.
• Provided a safe and inclusive environment for those with addictions and mental health issues to have positive interactions.

The Downtown Prince George BIA says they have tried to engage with the ministry on finding another home with no success.

Therefore, the local organization said it has no other option than to initiate this petition to urge the province to re-consider this relocation.

The petition has been launched on the Downtown PG website.