Newly-minted Tourism PG Executive Director Scott McWalter says the activation of Canada Games Plaza, making it a desirable four seasons destination was one of the major highlights of 2025.
During a year-in-review interview with MyPGNow.com, McWalter said the proof was in the pudding during the Civic Light Up from earlier this month.
“I look at that as a text book example on what can be done in that space (Canada Games Plaza) throughout the year, all four seasons and 365 days a year to be able to activate these beautiful spaces around Prince George.”
“This was exemplified perfectly at the Civic Light Up event where we hade various partners in the community collaborating together to put on an incredible event, one of the best Civic Light Up’s in history.”
He also mentioned various infrastructure projects were also a game-changer for the group.
“Tourism PG invested in various infrastructure like the Nanguz ‘An container project as well as a relocation in the new modernized visitor information centre as well as strengthening partnerships in the community and across the region.”
“I would look at the variety of events within our community that Tourism Prince George supports as the most impressive as well as the advocacy in hosting in industry advancement. We have supported sport hosting bids like the Canadian Native Fastpitch Championships (coming in August of 2026).
The past 12 months in Tourism PG also saw the winds of change blow in as previous CEO Colin Carson announced his resignation to take a position with Travel Columbia Valley.
McWalter added one of his main goals for 2026 is to bring more people into the northern capital, which will have a multiplier effect that trickles down to local hotels and businesses including restaurants and attractions.
“The past year really enforced that tourism success in Prince George or in any destination is truly a team effort. That team effort involves working with the City of Prince George, Indigenous partners, arts and culture as well as sports organizations and northern B.C. tourism.”
Prince George played host to the Special Olympics B.C. Summer Games in July of this year.
In October, a Party in the Plaza event was held to support the city’s bid for the 2030 Special Olympics Canada Games.
McWalter joined Tourism PG as its new Executive Director in November.
The first major event of the New Year is the BC Natural Resources Forum, which takes place January 20-22.
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