By Cheryl Jahn

Mega Park needs more info

Jun 14, 2023 | 3:37 PM

PRINCE GEORGE – The story of the mega park goes back to February of 2022, when the Cougars hosted a mega draw in support of a concept put forward by the Community Foundation and the Downtown Rotary Club.

But in December of that year, there were questions raised by City Council about the cost to maintain that facility. And on Monday, Council learned it would cost $68 million dollars over fifty years. That’s $1.4 million per year. Something Councillor Ron Pollilo was not comfortable with.

“We like our green spaces in this city, but it’s the money. Yeah. So this is a real tough one for me because, yes, I love the idea. I love the concept,” says Councillor Ron Polillo. “But if you look at the life cycle cost analysis, it’s expensive. It’s nearly $70 million. And when you look at priorities, sure, recreation is a priority, parks are a priority. But I look at other priorities. I would suggest that it’s down on the priority list and I’m not sure we can afford it.”

Council was presented with three options:

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1. That Council directs Administration to provide further information, which is specified by Council, regarding the Mega Park project. *Council would need to determine what specific information they would want to see returned.

2. That Council suspends further action by Administration on the Mega Park project.

3. That Council directs Administration to proceed with the next step in the Mega Park project by formalizing an agreement with the Community Foundation and Rotary Club, including preparation of a Stage Gate Review Process in accordance with the Council approved Organizational Capital Project Management manual.

For Councillor Cori Ramsay, it’s an investment.

“I grew up living next to a mega park. It’s a huge attractant. It draws a lot of economic dollars into your community. It’s so great for those hub communities. I’ve seen it at work. I do strongly believe that in the next 50 years, we’re going to build a mega park. So you know why not do it now.”

It was also a suggestion that the mega park be established in an already established park.

“Yeah, it’s a I think the staff has looked at some of the locations. It’s just a mega big it is a pretty big park,” says Mayor Simon Yu. “And they anticipate as a community will hold a some together to enjoy a wholesome competition event. So we will require some parking. So that location is correct .”

But Councillor Pollilo cites a recent survey where buy-in for the park was not overwhelming.

“We had over 2,200 people engage in that survey. And I know it’s about a year old, but you look at it, you know, there was a large segment that were kind of indifferent and there was about twenty percent were against it. So if you really combine those, that’s over half of the people that really, you know, either don’t care too much about it or against it. So that’s a significant portion. And I think we really need to listen to them.”

Council ultimately opted together further information.