James Steidle launches bid for Prince George City Council

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A key pillar of his campaign is fiscal accountability. Steidle argues city finances need closer scrutiny as property taxes continue to climb.

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“The city is spending money like there’s no tomorrow,” he said, citing tax increases over the past several years and concerns about proposals to replace the aging Kopar Memorial Arena. He also criticized what he sees as a pattern of demolishing older buildings, saying heritage and long-term functionality should play a greater role in planning decisions.

Steidle is also promoting the idea of a Prince George community forest. He says a municipally controlled forest resource could generate revenue for local organizations while creating employment opportunities, training programs and a timber supply for local manufacturers and entrepreneurs.

Food security is another major theme in his platform. Raised on a cattle ranch south of Prince George, Steidle says Northern B.C. has the land, water and expertise needed to expand local food production. He argues more local investment in agriculture could strengthen the regional economy while helping residents cope with rising food costs.

On housing and development, Steidle wants the city to reconsider patterns of urban sprawl. He says infrastructure expansion has outpaced population growth and contributed to higher municipal costs. Instead, he advocates for more rental and non-market housing in the downtown core as a way to address homelessness while supporting revitalization efforts.

Steidle also says Prince George requires greater provincial support to deal with the responsibilities of being Northern B.C.’s largest service centre. He argues the city shoulders disproportionate costs related to policing, homelessness, addictions and health care infrastructure, and is calling for new regional revenue-sharing arrangements.

Born and raised in the Prince George area, Steidle operates Steidle Woodworking and currently teaches high school metalwork. He holds a Master’s Degree in Public Policy from Simon Fraser University and has worked in provincial politics, regional governance and labour relations.