Stewart pitches experience, downtown safety focus in bid for mayor

The longtime lawyer and former city solicitor said concerns surrounding homelessness, addiction and public safety in the downtown core remain unresolved. Stewart contrasted himself with several other mayoral contenders and incumbent council members, saying he has a proven record of delivering major projects and community initiatives.

Stewart pointed to his involvement in the creation of the University of Northern British Columbia, fundraising efforts that supported the institution’s early growth, advocacy for medical residency programs in Prince George, and efforts that led to the construction of the city’s courthouse.

“I have a history of getting things done,” he said.

He also highlighted his experience acting as a solicitor for the City of Prince George for approximately two decades, saying that background gives him a detailed understanding of municipal operations.

“If you elect me as mayor, you’re not getting someone that’s learning on the job,” Stewart said. “You’re getting someone that can step right in and deal with this stuff.”

Public safety in downtown Prince George was a central focus of Stewart’s campaign message. If elected, Stewart said he would push for stronger enforcement of the city’s Safe Streets Bylaw, arguing current regulations are not being used effectively.

He said the city needs cleaner streets, increased enforcement against sidewalk obstructions and a renewed effort to move people experiencing homelessness into existing supportive housing.

“The city built 550-plus supportive housing [units] right in the city,” Stewart said. “There’s room for them. They have to go there.”

Stewart also suggested relocating some social services currently operating in the downtown core to supportive housing sites, arguing that would reduce the concentration of service-related activity in the business district. He said improving downtown conditions is essential to supporting local businesses and encouraging residents to return to the city centre.

Stewart also weighed in on the future of the proposed Civic Core redevelopment project after city council voted to defer the matter until after the October election.

The project has been discussed for years and will now be considered by the next council.

Stewart said he supports the decision to delay a final decision, arguing council needs to carefully examine the project’s financial implications before committing to it.

“We’ve had consultation coming out our ears on this thing,” he said.

Stewart questioned whether the city can afford a major capital project at a time when taxpayers are already facing financial pressures and the municipality is dealing with economic uncertainty.

“I’m not convinced that we should be doing so much now because we’re in for hard times,” he said.

With the upcoming closure of Northwood’s pulp mill expected to reduce the city’s industrial tax base, Stewart said attracting new investment must become a priority.

He argued Prince George needs to take a more proactive approach to economic development and market itself to potential investors.

“For too long, Prince George, through its elected officials, have waited for opportunities,” Stewart said. “They have not seized the time to make opportunities for business investment in this town.”

Stewart said his decades of experience as a lawyer and advocate would allow him to make the case directly to business leaders, investors and government decision-makers.

He believes Prince George’s strategic location, transportation infrastructure, skilled workforce and role as a regional service hub position the city well for future growth.

“I know how to make a case. I know how to win a case,” Stewart said. “That’s what I’ve done for 50 years.”

Prince George voters head to the polls on Saturday, Oct. 17, to elect a mayor and city council for the next four-year term.

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Email: Adam.Berls@pattisonmedia.com

by Adam Berls

Stewart pitches experience, downtown safety focus in bid for mayor

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