The Prince George RCMP are reporting that calls for service to the immediate area around the Connaught Motor Inn have dropped 67% since the city pulled its business licence in May.
Talking at the corner of Victoria Street and Patricia Boulevard, RCMP Superintendent Warren Brown says ultimately, this was a bit of an easy fix given the type of crime the location attracted.
“I would say at the end of the day, we’ve met our goal of ensuring community safety for not only the vulnerable people who lived here, but also those businesses who frequent the area.”
Brown says the change has freed up officers to tackle crime in other parts of the city.
When questioned as to if the crime just moved elsewhere, Brown didn’t think that was the case, “this was likely the most focused and concentrated area of crime in the community.”
The motel remains closed. The City says it’s owner, Joe Carhoun has not been very open with them on how he will meet the conditions to get his business license back.
In addition to the crime and security issues, a WorkSafeBC spokesperson told Council last May that the building posed a health risk to its workers through mold and asbestos.
Mayor Lyn Hall called the location the gateway to PG’s downtown, “It’s a high visible corner, there is lots going on and I think from our perspective it really deserves to be a corner that is well developed, highlighted and shows off our community.”
“We’re hoping that he (Carhoun) redevelops this corner or sells it to an investor that’s interested in developing it.”
“The ball is in his court.” Hall continued noting that this is just one of many ‘derelict properties’ they are tackling.
Bylaw Services Manager Fred Crittenden says they have tools to deal with the property if work to improve it stalls completely.
Security on site has gone a long way, but “if at some point the building deteriorates to a fact that we feel it becomes a nuisance, we can then address that through the Community Charter and Council.”
The City has made similar moves with the Lombardi Trailer Park, where they hired contractors with the clean up and billed ownership through their property taxes.
