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Mayor asking Council to rescind support for BC Transit facility

It looks like Prince George City Council could reverse its stance on the proposed public transit hub.

Included in Monday’s Regular Council Meeting agenda is a letter from Council recommending that it rescind its support for the project.

Councillors Garth Frizzell, Susan Scott, and Brian Skakun brought the idea forward. Mayor Lyn Hall then included it in the Mayor’s Report, which is the quickest way for councillors to include something on an agenda.

As it stands, the proposed BC Transit facility would be built near 18th and Foothills. It would house a new eco-friendly bus fleet, washing station, fuel pump, and garages. BC Transit Aaron Lamb says these new buses could reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 25 percent.

Blueprint of proposed BC Transit facility. Taken from PG Council April 3, 2017 agenda

However, the project has been met with public backlash.

Over 200 people showed up to a city-run open house on the project last month, where about 25 people spoke up, questioning the financial, environmental and social impacts of the project.

Susanne Williamson strongly opposed the spot, citing added noise, traffic, safety concerns, and poorer air quality. She’s started a few petitions which have accumulated over 4,000 signatures. She’s relieved to see this letter.
“There was an overwhelming response from the community in support of the position of finding an alternate location for this facility in an industrial site and city council listened,” she says, “we wanted to help the city and BC Transit find a more suitable location. We’re in support of the facility just not in the location that was proposed.”
Councillor Frizzell says a lot went into this decision, including discussions with community members at the open house and amongst Council members.

“There was just a gradual accumulation of one piece after another after another after another until, finally, it was clear that stopping this process was the right thing to do.”

The Mayor’s Report also includes a recommendation that staff finds a new home for that facility.

Monday’s City Council meeting begins at 6 PM in the Council Chambers.

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