A housing accelerator fund has caught the eye of Prince George City Councillor Garth Frizzell who remains at the Union of BC Municipalities Convention (UBCM).
It is expected to open for applications by December.
In addition, Frizzell and the city also looked at a new grant yesterday (Wednesday) that was presented by Municipal Affairs Minister Nathan Cullen.
“There’s a lot of things coming out this week that we are going to have to jump on as a staff so that we can take advantage of it for Prince George.”
Frizzell adds many northern communities are in the same boat as PG when updating infrastructure – recent increases to the Gas Tax and Northern Infrastructure funds have been a major plus.
“Lobbying is about getting the message out as to where the needs are and this has been particularly effective for doing it.”
“We would sure like to see it expanded and enhanced (Northern Infrastructure Fund). We’ve still got a massive backlog of infrastructure projects. But, this is something all communities are dealing with – this is not just a Prince George issue. By being here together and lobbying together, we get the message across much better.”
However, some of that rapport built over the last number of years will be put to the test as the winds of change are blowing into the political landscape across our region.
Nine mayors are not seeking re-election next month including PG’s Lyn Hall.
“That’s a lot of institutional memory and these relationships that you build with intergovernmental people and when you carry them on it’s like shorthand. It speeds the process up but by having this shift over there is some work that is going to have to be redone,” said Frizzell.
It’s been a busy 48 hours for Frizzell who along with other councillors attended meetings with Mental Health and Addictions Minister Sheila Malcolmson and official opposition leader Kevin Falcon (BC Liberals).
In addition, Frizzell and others attended a session on libraries where the PG Public Library was recognized for its leadership in modern technology.
Frizzell and Mackenzie Mayor Joan Atkinson were present during a forestry breakfast hosted by Minister Katrine Conroy.
“It is a wide range of different topics but that’s what municipalities are. We deal with a wide range of topics,”
“This is the place to be,” added Frizzell.
The UBCM wraps up tomorrow (Friday) with an address from Premier John Horgan.
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