Not as many people ventured out to the eight cultural sites within the Regional District of Fraser Fort-George.
According to its 2024 Annual Culture report, there was an overall 6.5% drop in visitors to the cultural sites when compared to 2023, but attendance was stronger than in 2022.
The sites are:
- The Exploration Place
- Two Rivers Gallery
- Central BC Railway and Forestry Museum
- Huble Homestead
- Mackenzie and District Museum
- Valley Museum and Archives
- Whistlestop Gallery
- Valemount Museum
The report outlined traffic at visitor info centres saw over 18% inclines in places like Prince George and Mackenize but nose-dived in Valemount (-24.4%) and McBride (-28%).
The sudden drop in Valemount was due to the highway closure following the Jasper wildfire, which saw the community take in 16,000 evacuees at its peak.
When digging deeper into the RDFFG’s cultural sites, the Central B.C. Railway and Forestry Museum saw 19,294 visitors last year – a near 5% spike when compared to 2023 (18,382).
PG’s Exploration Place saw a 22.1% decline in visitors (36,873) last year when compared to the 2023 (47,351).
Volunteer hours, employees, admission revenue and other grants also took steep drops ranging from 22 to 85%.
Artifacts and items donated between the eight sites experienced a 120% spike on a year-over-year basis.
Prince George’s hotel revenue was $65,360,000 in 2024 – a 5.3% decrease when compared to 2023 ($69.2 million).
In addition, the RDFFG board awarded grants to:
- North Central Local Government Association for $7,500 to sponsor the Mental Health and Addictions Symposium scheduled for October 15th in Prince George
- Village of McBride for $1,000 to sponsor the Robson Valley Agriculture Forum scheduled for October 3 and 4, 2025 in McBride
Long-term site development was also discussed at the Foothills Regional Landfill.
Tetra Tech and FortisBC representatives made presentations on expanding Cell One, the current location where municipal waste is placed at the site and the progress of the landfill’s renewable natural gas project.
A detailed examination determined there is nearly 1 million cubic metres more airspace just outside the current footprint of Cell One.
This would add nine years to the current cell’s lifespan and delays the need to construct a second cell.
The expansion plan has an estimated cost of $8.9 million and received approval from the Regional District Board of Directors.
Something going on in the Prince George area you think people should know about?
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