Mayor Yu reopening debate on avoiding Aquatic Centre shut down

Prince George City Council will have another vote on potentially avoiding a two-year shutdown at the Aquatic Centre.

At Monday’s meeting, Council will vote on the same motion that was put forward to Council on November 3rd, calling for a report on options to avoid the two-year closure.

The motion was defeated, with Mayor Simon Yu, as well as Councillors Trudy Klassen and Brian Skakun voting in favour of having a report returned.

At that meeting, some of the Councillors opposed called the motion “performative” and “financially irresponsible.”

Staff also stated: “if we had another way to present to you, it would have already been done.”

According to a staff report to Council, the Mayor may require Council to reconsider a matter that was previously voted upon under Section 131 of the Community Charter.

The report states this authority is being exercised not to predetermine an outcome, but to ensure Council has the opportunity to consider new information and updated public input.

In April 2024, City Council approved $37 million in facility upgrades for the Aquatic Centre.

In October, it was announced the Aquatic Centre would be closing for two years to complete the upgrades.

The full agenda for Monday’s meeting can be found here.