McLaren pitches tax freeze, tougher approach to crime in council bid

McLaren said his decision to enter municipal politics was sparked after attending a city budget meeting in early 2025. He left feeling council was not asking tough enough questions about spending requests from city departments.

“I view the taxpayers as the clients of the city,” he said. “If the clients aren’t happy with the service, whether it’s road repair, garbage removal, or safe drinking water, that’s what city council should be focused on.”

Drawing on his background in finance and business, McLaren argues city council needs more members with executive and budgeting experience. He believes Prince George can improve services while reducing pressure on taxpayers. One of McLaren’s headline proposals is a two-year freeze on property tax increases. He pointed to what he says has been a significant rise in municipal taxes over the past decade, noting increases have exceeded inflation.

“In the last 12 years, the average tax increase in Prince George has been 67 per cent,” McLaren said. “Inflation has been 34 per cent. We’re running an increase at twice the rate of inflation.”

The proposal comes as Prince George faces economic uncertainty, including the planned closure of the Northwood pulp mill later this year, a move expected to impact the city’s industrial tax base. McLaren acknowledged the financial challenges but argued the city should first look for efficiencies before turning to taxpayers for more revenue.

“We are hardwired to believe that every year spending must go up and therefore taxes must go up,” he said. “I think that’s a cultural thing.”

He questioned whether all areas of city operations have been examined closely enough for potential savings, suggesting technological advancements and operational reviews could help reduce costs without affecting core services.

“I don’t think we’re not going to have good drinking water by not raising taxes. I don’t think we’re not going to have a fire department by not raising taxes,” he said. “Maybe we work smarter.”

McLaren also pointed to growth in the city’s workforce as an area that warrants examination. Referencing a conversation with former Mayor Colin Kinsley, McLaren noted the city workforce has grown substantially over the past few decades and questioned whether staffing levels have kept pace with actual community needs.

He argues departments should be challenged to identify potential savings and justify spending priorities before council approves annual budgets. According to McLaren, stronger scrutiny of departmental requests would help ensure taxpayer dollars are being spent effectively.

On public safety, McLaren is proposing what would be an unconventional approach to supporting police and pursuing criminal cases. He wants the city to explore hiring lawyers who would work alongside the RCMP and assist with legal processes, including examining whether private prosecutions could be used in cases where Crown prosecutors choose not to proceed.

McLaren’s interest in the idea stems in part from his own experience dealing with arson-related damage at properties he owns.

“I’ve had three buildings that have been lost to arson,” he said. “I’m kind of tired of it.”

McLaren argues municipalities should look at every legal option available to address repeat offenders and crime associated with addiction and homelessness.

“If the problem isn’t our police officers not arresting bad guys, our problem is that when they arrest bad guys, Crown doesn’t do anything,” he said.

He also suggested the city explore civil remedies and court orders to limit access to downtown areas for individuals repeatedly involved in criminal activity.

Voters will head to the polls on Saturday, October 17, to choose the city’s next mayor and council.

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Email: Adam.Berls@pattisonmedia.com

by Adam Berls

McLaren pitches tax freeze, tougher approach to crime in council bid

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