PRINCE GEORGE

Wednesday, December 31, 2025

The City of Prince George is celebrating the end of 2025 with a look back at some major events from the past year. Public safety was top of mind throughout 2025, and the City looks forward to continuing advocacy work in the new year. 

January

• Council approved the 2025 budget with a 6.21% increase, equal to approx. $169.22 per average home in Prince George. 
• Several large commercial fires took place in 2025 — the first occurred on January 17 at the former City Secondhand store on 4^th Avenue, which was deemed accidental.

February 

• The City filed a claim in the BC Supreme Court to close the Lower Patricia Boulevard encampment in February. The hearing was successful and site remediation started in September. 
• The City launched a parking survey to assess and improve parking in the downtown and hospital parking zones. 

March

• The City partnered with the Chamber of Commerce in response to U.S. tariffs to understand how to better support local businesses through an online survey.
• Council signed a statement of support for the Human Trafficking Prevention Network of BC and was the first local government to join the network. 
• The City launched a survey to understand how to improve public skating programs.
• The City hosted an emergency preparedness information event with local partners at Pine Centre Mall.

April

• Work was completed at Ferguson Lake Nature Reserve to remove and replace the old support posts and boardwalk, which improved the safety of the trail system.

May

• The City won two awards at the North Central Local Government Association conference in Prince Rupert: Environmental Stewardship (for natural asset management) and Economic Development (for creating the BC Hydrogen Hub).
• The Tabor streetlight replacement project began to replace aging streetlight infrastructure between 15th Avenue and 1st Avenue with a project budget of approximately $2.5 million. 
• The first CityFest event took place at Canada Games Plaza. Residents were invited to join Mayor and Council for an afternoon of food, facts, and interactive opportunities to connect with the services that support and strengthen the city.

June

• Fire Chief Bryan Burleigh took over the role from Cliff Warner, who retired after 30 years of service.
• A new program to help homeowners reduce the risk of wildfires was launched. Through the FireSmart BC Wildfire Mitigation Program residents can get a free visit from a wildfire expert who will assess their home and yard and provide personalized tips to make their property safer.
• The City entered into a contract of purchase and sale agreement with the Regional District of Fraser-Fort George for the property at 101 George Street, also known as Millennium Park.
• The City hosted Concert in the Park featuring three local bands at Lheidli T’enneh Memorial Park. 

July 

• A number of events took place at local parks and civic facilities in July including the Special Olympics BC Summer Games, Canada Day, Music at the Pavilion, and Foodie Fridays.
• The City launched the Active Transportation Plan update project to guide the development of infrastructure and programs that support safer, more accessible, and more convenient travel options for people of all ages and abilities—whether on foot, by bike, using a wheelchair, or by scooter.

August

• Provincial swimming championships took place at the Aquatic Centre, which brought thousands of visitors to Prince George. 
• Prince George accomplished 104% of its year one provincial housing target order goal, which began on August 1, 2024.
• The City kicked off engagement on its updated Community Wildfire Resiliency Plan to reduce wildfire risk and identify priority areas of concern. 
• The John Hart Bridge force main project came to an end. The new sewer pipeline runs from the pump station on Tomlin Road to the force main at the intersection of Highway 97 and 5^th Avenue and services all properties north of the Nechako River. 

September

• Emergency support services were activated to help evacuees from the Cariboo wildfires. 
• A special tree planting ceremony, in celebration of a grant received from CN and Tree Canada, marked the official grand opening of the new pergola and updated gardens at Connaught Hill Park.
• The CN Centre turned 30 with a big celebration event on September 28. 
• The City launched 2026 budget engagement to understand resident priorities ahead of the next budget cycle.
• Advocacy at the Union of BC Municipalities convention a success, highlighted by a secure care facility announcement from the province. 

October

• Prince George was shortlisted for the 2030 Special Olympics Canada Summer Games and hosted the selection team for site visits. The announcement of the host community is scheduled for spring 2026.
• Council approved the updated Official Community Plan (OCP) after several rounds of revisions and public hearings. 
• The Regional District of Fraser-Fort George job action impacted City garbage collection for several weeks throughout October and November. 

November

• Council signed the renewed memorandum of understanding on Regional Advocacy with Lheidli T’enneh, Regional District of Fraser-Fort George, and federal and provincial elected officials. 
• The brand new Lheidli T’enneh Memorial Park playground was completed and opened to the public. 
• The 30^th annual Civic Light Up took place at Canada Games Plaza. 

December

• Council approved updates to the Extreme Weather Response Plan to open warming centres earlier in the season to protect vulnerable residents.
• A new unit to be based in Prince George to combat organized crime in northern B.C. was announced for the North District RCMP. At the same time, Council, staff, and local partners met with BC Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, Nina Krieger, to discuss public safety.

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The City wishes everyone a happy new year, and we look forward to serving the community in 2026.