Civic Core Review takes next step

Earlier this year, the City issued a Request for Proposals for what it called a “Civic Core Business Plan.” The contract was awarded at the end of May to Colliers Land Use Strategies, which has now begun the first phase of work on a technical business case. The project could expand into additional phases depending on direction from City Council once recommendations are presented.

At the heart of the study is an ambitious goal — to determine how a mix of uses could be integrated into the downtown core in a way that serves long-term economic, cultural, and community needs. The potential components under consideration include mixed-use housing, a performing arts centre, an ice facility, and flexible multi-use space.

Acting Mayor Ron Polillo says the project represents a significant opportunity for the city.

“Well, from my perspective, I think this is exciting,” Polillo said. “This has the opportunity to be really a game changer for downtown — and I think the City of Prince George.”

But Polillo notes that major questions still need answers before any final decisions are made.

“How much money, roughly, it would cost, whether we do it all at once or it would be phased, what we build first — there’s all those questions,” he said. “And perhaps possible public-private partnerships as well.”

City staff say this business case will provide those answers. It is expected to outline financial considerations, possible development timelines, and options for how different components could be delivered — either as a single comprehensive project or in stages over time.

Polillo had hoped the public would be able to weigh in sooner, potentially through a referendum question during the upcoming municipal election this fall. However, he says timelines did not allow the work to be completed in time.

“I was hoping that we would actually have that referendum question with the election coming up this fall,” he said. “Unfortunately, we just couldn’t get it in time. But I believe that’s the way we need to go, because it’s going to be a substantial project.”

For City planners, the business case represents a shift toward a more evidence-based approach to long-standing community discussions about downtown development.

Tiina Schaeffer, the City’s Manager of Long Range Planning, says the process is designed to provide an objective assessment of what is both needed and achievable.

“It was determined that the best way forward is to really take an objective look and look at a business case for these types of facilities,” Schaeffer said. “So the mixed-use, the performing arts and culture side of things, as well as an ice arena, and then the potential for some flex-use space.”

The first phase of the project is already underway, focusing on a “current state analysis.” That work includes reviewing years of previous studies and consultations, as well as examining the condition of existing city assets, financial data, and feedback gathered from community members and stakeholder groups.

City officials say that past engagement — combined with updated analysis — will help ensure the business case reflects both community priorities and realistic financial considerations.

The Civic Core initiative has been discussed in various forms for years, with many stakeholders pointing to the need for updated cultural and recreational infrastructure as well as revitalization in the downtown area.

The outcome of this latest study could ultimately shape not just new facilities, but how people live, work, and gather in the city’s core for decades to come.

For now, City Council and the public will be waiting for the completed business case — expected to provide the roadmap for what could become one of the largest and most transformative development projects in Prince George’s recent history.

by Cheryl Jahn

Civic Core Review takes next step

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