Can PG’s infrastructure keep pace?

Prince George’s infrastructure story is closely tied to its history.

After the Second World War, the city experienced a dramatic population boom. Prince George grew from roughly 4,000 residents in 1947 to about 60,000 people less than 30 years later. Much of the infrastructure that supports the city today was built during that period of rapid expansion.

The city’s footprint also expanded significantly. Through a series of boundary extensions, Prince George grew from just over five square kilometres in 1915 to nearly 327 square kilometres by 1995. That growth created a vast network of roads, utilities and public facilities that continue to serve residents today.

Prince George City Councillor Trudy Klassen says the community already possesses one of the most important assets needed to support future industrial development.

“One thing Prince George is rich in is land, and we have tons of industrial land. We have that whole Boundary Road area that is primed and ready to go to welcome many different kinds of industry and businesses out there.”

Klassen points to Prince George’s transportation connections as another advantage. The city sits along major highway corridors and rail routes, providing access to markets across Western Canada and beyond.

Those advantages are helping fuel discussions about potential future developments, including resource-related projects and data centres, both of which could bring jobs and population growth to the region.

However, growth also creates challenges.

City information shows much of Prince George’s infrastructure was installed before 1980. The average installation year of infrastructure currently in use is 1982, meaning many assets are more than four decades old.

Maintaining and replacing aging roads, pipes and facilities remains a significant undertaking for the municipality. While the city has invested heavily in recent years through infrastructure report cards, road rehabilitation projects and facility assessments, officials recognize that more work remains.

Klassen says accommodating future growth requires maximizing existing infrastructure while ensuring the city remains prepared for new residents and businesses.

“This is Canada. It’s a land of a lot of space. People want space. So we have to have those places available in ways that will maximize on the existing infrastructure that’s there, and hopefully to build our tax base so that we can afford to do the repairs and replacements that we need to do.”

Another major consideration for potential industrial projects is electricity.

Large developments such as data centres can require substantial amounts of power, raising questions about whether the regional electrical grid can support that demand.

According to B.C. Hydro, Prince George is in a strong position.

B.C. Hydro Northern Community Relations Manager Bob Gammer, says there is currently capacity available in the region.

“The short answer to that is yes, we do have the capacity in the Prince George area. Now, we do have an established interconnection process for larger customers who want large amounts of power. We also have a process that’s based on a first come, first serve basis, so available capacity does get used up bit by bit.”

Hydro says large industrial customers must go through a detailed review process before connecting to the grid. Factors such as total power requirements, project location and timing all influence how connections are planned.

In some cases, companies may also be responsible for funding infrastructure upgrades needed to connect their projects to the electrical system.

But when it comes to access to power, Gammer says Prince George has a significant advantage because of where it sits within British Columbia’s transmission network.

“A great advantage here in Prince George is we’re kind of at a crossroads. We are on the main backbone of the big transmission grid. It comes through from the Peace Region and then branches west while also continuing south into the Lower Mainland. So we’re right on the main highway for power. We have access to power. There’s no issue about that.”

That access could become increasingly important as governments and industries look to attract energy-intensive operations to northern communities.

The question now is not whether Prince George can grow, but how quickly it can prepare for the opportunities that may come its way.

With industrial land available, transportation networks already in place and electrical capacity currently available, the city appears well positioned to attract investment. At the same time, local leaders acknowledge that maintaining and upgrading decades-old infrastructure will remain essential if Prince George hopes to support another period of significant growth.

As conversations continue about mining, industrial expansion and potential data centre development, the city’s readiness may ultimately depend on how effectively it balances today’s infrastructure challenges with tomorrow’s opportunities.

by Nick Dube

Can PG’s infrastructure keep pace?

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