Prince George councillors remove support for proposed bus garage
Andrew Kurjata | CBC News | Posted: June 8, 2017 1:11 AM | Last Updated: June 8, 2017
Controversial plan would rezone green space for B.C. Transit maintenance and storage site
Three city councillors, along with the mayor of Prince George, have put forward a motion to rescind support for a proposed bus maintenance site near a popular walking trail.
The people's voices are heard. - Garth Frizzell
B.C. Transit wants to build a $23 million operations and maintenance facility in an area of town currently zoned for parks and open space.
"One of the messages I'm hearing is wrong location, but right project," said mayor Lyn Hall.
Councillor Garth Frizzell, who drafted the motion alongside Brian Skakun and Susan Scott, says it's become clear the public is opposed to the project.
"So we're going to take it to council on Monday night and look to get support from council to just stop this now instead of going on to third reading."
He said while he doesn't want to pre-judge what will happen, he expects the motion to pass.
Over 250 people packed a heated public meeting in May to overwhelmingly voice their opposition to the plan, citing environmental and public health concerns to increasing traffic and noise near a dog walking trail and greenbelt.
B.C. Transit has said the site is the only suitable location in the city and they must begin construction soon in order to qualify for $9.5 million in federal grant money.
"I'm sure we'll have a discussion about that," said Frizzell, adding part of the motion directs staff to immediately work with B.C. Transit to find an alternative space.
He said in his eight years as a councillor, the proposed bus garage has been one of the "top three" in terms of feedback he's received from the public.
"I always say it's really important to get your views out there," he said. "If you're cynical about how important your voice is ... then hopefully this will be a message that the people's voices are heard."