It will be a busy time for the City of Prince George at next week’s Union of BC Municipalities Convention in Vancouver.
It runs from September 23rd to the 27th where the city has four resolutions on the table that they have sponsored.
Councillor Brian Skakun told MyPGNow.com one of the resolutions is the cleanup of drug needles, a topic that has become a major point of contention in Prince George.
“It just seems to be getting worse and there really doesn’t seem to be much accountability when it comes to giving out the needles and getting used ones in return. We’re really trying to turn up the political heat and the City of Prince George has gotten several letters from different communities across the province that are fully behind the needle clean up the resolution.”
“People including myself are just sick and tired of the mess and the lack of accountability.”
Skakun continues to get calls from parents who have found needles in schoolyards, playgrounds, and daycares.
He states it’s gotten to the point where sweeps of the property have to be done so that no kids get poked by a needle.
The long-time city councillor will also be attending a ride-hailing workshop while down in the Lower Mainland.
He believes the service should be treated the same as cabs where you need a chauffer’s permit to operate.
“Ride-hailing in some jurisdictions based on my understanding is that there are no background checks on the drivers and they are going to drive people around. I think as a local government we have to be somewhat responsible and if someone gets one of these ride services that they are going to be safe.”
An Ontario-based company called U-Ride has submitted an application to the province as they look to expand their operation into places like PG.
A decision on their license is expected in the next four to eight weeks.
The other resolutions centre around the Cariboo Recovery Plan, improved broadband internet for rural communities and proceeds of crime.
Scheduled addresses during the convention will include:
- BC Premier John Horgan (September 27th)
- Leader of the BC Green Party Dr. Andrew Weaver (September 25th)
- BC Liberal Leader Andrew Wilkinson (September 26th)
- Former CBC National Anchor Peter Mansbridge will be the Keynote Speaker