By Matt Fetinko

Potential future cost for ‘special events’ with police presence

Feb 7, 2019 | 3:14 PM

PRINCE GEORGE — Police presence is sometimes needed for special events around Prince George and it could soon start costing event planners in a big way.

A new cost recovery bylaw is being recommended which would see a new fee totaling $115 dollars per hour per officer. It would allow the City to recover overtime and administrative costs associated with having police personnel on scene. It has gone through second reading despite questions coming forward about what is actually considered a special event.

It could seem like a case of putting the cart before the horse but that’s not something concerning the six councillors who voted in favour, including Kyle Sampson, who has a history in event planning.

“From an events standpoint, as long as the guidelines are set out and it’s a fair process that will benefit everybody in the end, whether it’s public safety, better security, or whatever that may be, it’s got to work for everybody,” he said.

That’s not the only thing councillors are wondering about though, as Terri McConnachie ponders why the bylaw is even needed at all.

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“It just didn’t sit well with me the fact that those costs would be incurred onto those event organizers for the policing costs,” she explained. “I think anytime it comes to cost, with a city of our size, it should be discussed as part of the budget process and discussed by council.”

It’s likely this will be next brought up at a council meeting in about a month with a better understanding of the process and who will be affected.