An update on a new park planned for downtown Prince George will be before council on Monday.
Construction on the green space between the Wood Innovation and Design Centre and Heartbreakers Nightclub is expected to begin in the Spring, but the idea is getting mixed reception.
“I can’t see how it brings people downtown, it’s not like you are going to say ‘Hey let’s go for lunch in the WIDC recreational park’… Who is the user group?” John Kason asked, the owner of several properties on 4th Ave.
He believes resources could be spent better places.
“There are alleyways that are unlit, there is crime and illegal activity that goes on. There’s lots of ways we can beautify our city by making areas where people are congregating (the alleyways) less desireable.”
He also voiced concern about a lack of parking in the neighborhood, saying it’s one of the biggest hurdles when it comes to securing strong tenants.
“It doesn’t seem to be very thought out, on how to expand and grow downtown Prince George” Kason added “We are already surrounded by parks downtown”
A transit hub is planned to be added to the space in 2017, something Kason strongly supports, but he pointed to park and rides in the Lower Mainland that he calls attractive and functional. He suggested university housing or condos as another option that would grow the whole neighbourhood.
The space will include public art, a basketball hoop and stage for small events. The park was a part of the original contract with the Province of BC for the WIDC building which guaranteed a green space next door.
The province is chipping in $750,000 for the park, much of which is already spent with BC Hydro moving lines underground. Another $330,000 is funded through grants while the city covers $420,000.
Funding for the transit exchange has not been secured yet, but the city has engaged BC Transit about trying to share the cost.