PRINCE GEORGE

Wednesday, October 18, 2023

The Visitor Information Centre (VIC) will be making its new home beside the Prince George Conference and Civic Centre location, a unanimous decision by the Tourism Prince George Board of Directors.

“We are thrilled to have finally found a long-term spot that meets the needs of visitors who are stimulating our local economy,” said Paul Robison, Chair of Tourism Prince George. “In addition, being located downtown is an ideal spot for Tourism Prince George to be a key community partner and help the downtown—the core of our community—thrive.”

The conclusion to move the VIC to this location was based on it achieving the highest overall score measured by the independent consulting firm, Nycholat Consulting.

“Our primary focus aside from assessing financial feasibility, lease stability, and public sentiment is to focus on supporting those who are likely to extend their stay in the Prince George community,” consultant Josh Nycholat explained to the Board of Directors.

As a destination marketing organization, Tourism Prince George works strategically to attract visitors who will stay longer, discover the community, shop, eat and play in Prince George.

With the Canada Games Plaza now at the doorstep of the VIC, it opens up opportunities for Tourism Prince George to create a vibrant downtown core through events and pop-up attractions.

“This location also gives us an excellent starting point for visitors to support many, many small businesses within a two to three block radius,” said TPG CEO Colin Carson.

This decision comes after six months of research and analysis. “We are grateful for the contributions by the City of Prince George and the Pine Centre Mall staff for working with Nycholat Consulting to gather information throughout the decision-making process,” said Robison. “We look forward to continued partnerships with Pine Centre Mall, a hub and valued attraction to the visitor economy.”

City council approved for TPG to lease this space starting in 2024. Renovations will be phased in, and an official opening is anticipated for Spring/Summer 2024.

“We are excited to see this new Centre come to life and collaborate with the Lheidli T’enneh First Nation to create a visitor experience that reflects their rich culture and heritage,” said Carson. “We also look forward to making this new space a basecamp for visitors to discover and explore all that Prince George has to offer.”

Written and released by: Tourism Prince George. The website link also contains further background information not seen here on PJXM News.