Update on Civic Facilities and the BC Restart…

PRINCE GEORGE, BC: Last week, the Provincial Health Officer and the Premier announced a four-step BC Restart Plan for a careful and safe restart. The City of Prince George is looking forward to the day when events and gatherings will be allowed and is preparing for a return to normal social contact and larger gatherings.

In March 2020, public health orders restricting large gatherings led to the closure of multiple City facilities. In July, ongoing closures of venues such as the CN Centre and the Prince George Conference and Civic Centre, and uncertainty over the duration of the pandemic, forced the elimination of both unionized and exempt positions that included the managers of both facilities. Since then, CN Centre re-opened for public walking and ice access, and a public vaccination program has been implemented at the Civic Centre.

The following is an update on various positions and facilities:

• In order to position Prince George to again be able to attract and host concerts and shows, at venues such as CN Centre, the City recently proceeded with a search for a Manager of Entertainment. The position will be filled by Glen Mikkelsen, the previous manager of the CN Centre, who will return to the City of Prince George in early July.
• An update on the Prince George Playhouse will be presented to Council on June 14 regarding options for the facility, which has been closed since March 2020 and needs repairs in order to re-open.
• The Prince George Conference and Civic Centre is continuing to serve as the site of Northern Health’s Prince George vaccination clinic. Currently, approximately 1,000 people are receiving vaccinations daily. Northern Health’s lease of the facility is in place until the end of 2021; on June 28, Council will receive an update on a broader resumption of services at the PGCCC.
• Also on June 28, Council will receive a report on operations of Prince George arenas. The Elksentre has been closed since March 2020 but the demand for ice at the remaining arenas remains high, and both the Spruce Kings and Cougars are planning to hold camps this summer in advance of regular season play in the Fall.

The City will continue to monitor the provincial restart plan and adjust its planning and service delivery accordingly

Written and released by City of Prince George