Prince George city council has decided to postpone making a crucial choice regarding the development of a new downtown hockey rink and performing arts center until after the upcoming municipal election. Initially, the council was responsible for selecting two out of four proposed options for constructing the new facilities in the city’s central area. This decision would have enabled consulting firm Colliers Land Use Strategies to further refine and solidify a business case for downtown revitalization to guide future decision-making processes.
However, prior to any deliberation on the options, Councilor Trudy Klassen proposed a motion to defer the entire matter until November 30, post the municipal election. The motion was approved by a narrow margin of one vote. Klassen emphasized the need for cautious and thoughtful progress, stating that the delay would afford the council additional time for consultation and input from the public.
Mike Hawes, the general manager of the BCHL team, the Prince George Spruce Kings, expressed disappointment with the decision, labeling it as an evasive maneuver. Hawes stressed the urgency of the situation, as the current venue, Kopar Memorial Arena, where the team plays, urgently requires replacement.
The council had been tasked with considering four options, each featuring an 800-seat theater or concert hall and a smaller 200-seat black box theater, alongside a new arena at a different location. The variations among the options revolved around the size and placement of the arena, ranging from 2,000 to 6,000 seats, and either at the current Kopar Memorial Arena site or an adjacent gravel parking lot. Colliers recommended that the council endorse utilizing the existing arena site, coupled with either a 2,000- or 6,000-seat capacity.
Hawes insisted that any chosen option should allow the Spruce Kings to continue using the Kopar Memorial Arena during the construction of the new arena. He expressed concerns that deferring the decision to a new council might result in setbacks for the entire project.
Councillors Garth Frizzell, Kyle Sampson, Susan Scott, and Cori Ramsay opposed the delay, emphasizing the extensive consultation that had already taken place. Ramsay highlighted that various arts groups and the Spruce Kings had engaged with city authorities regarding the project for over two years. By endorsing an option, she believed that a feasibility study, business case, roadmap, and potential funding options could have been ready for discussion in November.
Marnie Hamagami, the artistic producer of Theatre NorthWest, echoed disappointment over the vote, expressing concerns about further delays and hoping for an open-minded approach from any incoming council regarding the community’s needs. The municipal election is scheduled for October 17.