Prince George City Council has given the first three readings of a rezoning amendment that could bring hundreds of apartment units to Central Street.
It was a packed house at tonight’s (Monday) meeting, as City Council discussed a zoning bylaw amendment for 2000 Central Street, where the applicant is proposing to redevelop into a high-density, mixed use residential and commercial village.
According to a staff report to Council, the development would contain residential dwelling units, along with a stand-alone commercial building.
“The redevelopment of the site would occur in phases over approximately 10-15 years, depending on market demand,” said Director of Planning and Development Deanna Wasnik.
In total, 38 letters of correspondence were received, most of which either opposed the development or noted concerns.
The most common concern throughout the correspondence was a large traffic being directed into a nearby neighbourhood.
Wasnik acknowledged the traffic concerns laid out by residents, and explained any future phases of development would be subject to further traffic analysis as more detailed plans are presented.
Councillor Trudy Klassen asked Wasnik about work with the Ministry of Transit and Transportation to improve the Highway 97, Central Street, and 22nd Avenue intersection, which Wasnik noted there are plans.
“What’s not been confirmed from the Ministry is timing of when that project may go forward,” she explained. “It has been talked about through the redevelopment of the subject property.”
Councillor Brian Skakun noted a report from L&M Engineering referenced a 2017 Sanitary Sewer Master Plan, and asked if that report was still accurate enough to go on.
“I don’t believe there’s been any significant flows added since 2017,” said Director of Civic Operations Blake McIntosh in response.
Councillor Cori Ramsay called the Highway 97-22nd Avenue “the worst intersection in Prince George.”
“It has been horrible since I was a child,” she said. “Whether or not this proceeds or doesn’t proceed, I think a commitment to advocacy on this intersection update is critical.”
Councillor Tim Bennett, appearing at the meeting virtually, asked about sidewalks, noting any children living in the area would likely be attending Harwin Elementary.
“What can we then do as a community, if we are seeing a significant increase in traffic in the area, to ensure pedestrian safety,” he asked.
It was noted by staff that could be included in sidewalk projects in future years.
Councillor Kyle Sampson said the neighbourhood’s traffic concerns are reasonable.
“I do think that there’s room, for most of the correspondence that I read, for this to move forward in some way, as long as those concerns are addressed,” he said. “That’s the general tone I read, and the number one concern being that traffic doesn’t overwhelm your neighbourhood.”
Sampson said he would also put forward a motion to refer the intersection issue to the City’s Standing Committee on Intergovernmental Affairs following the discussion.
“Now is the time to pounce and really drive that message home,” he said.
Sampson added he felt there hasn’t been enough done to build confidence with the surrounding neighbourhood.
“In the absence of ongoing discussion, in dialogue with residents, comes mistrust, people coming to their own conclusions or having a lack of understanding about how exactly you envision your development going and giving them the chance to be confident in that vision as well and coming alongside you,” he said.
Mayor Simon Yu said this is an area where the City could bring plenty more housing, and agreed transportation improvements are needed for the area.
City Council granted first three readings to the zoning amendment, with Councillor Brian Skakun the lone Councillor opposed.
A small number of residents stood in the gallery as the vote took place.
Final reading of the bylaw amendment would be withheld until registration of a Section 219 Covenant, requiring a report prepared by a professional traffic engineer upon the completion of Phase 2 and every subsequent phase of construction of the development.
Sampson put forward two additional motions related to the item.
The first was to direct administration to ensure the minimization of adverse impact on surrounding residential neighbourhoods when evaluating future traffic management measures, access configurations, and development approvals associated with the redevelopment of the property.
The second was to prioritize advocacy with the Ministry of Transportation and Transit regarding upgrades to the intersection of Highway 97, Central Street, 22nd Avenue, and Griffiths Avenue.
Both of these motions passed unanimously.
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