Prince George Creates A Vision For Smart Growth Through Sustainable Downtown Revitalization Planning

In 2008, Smart Growth BC received a $125,000 grant from Northern Development through the Feasibility Studies program towards this $507,000 project. This has been a funding partnership of Smart Growth B.C., Northern Development, BC Heritage Legacy Fund, BC Hydro, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, City of Prince George, Environment Canada, Ministry of Environment, Prince George Community Foundation, Real Estate Foundation of BC, Transport Canada, Tree Canada, and Vancity Community Foundation

2012- Smart Growth on the Ground is an innovative program that has focused on changing the way that urban development is done in British Columbia by creating real examples of sustainable growth within urban areas of communities. This unique program helped communities throughout British Columbia prepare more sustainably-oriented neighbourhood plans – including land use, transportation, and urban design best practices. Smart growth principles ensure that growth is fiscally, environmentally and socially responsible and recognizes the connections between development and quality of life. Furthermore, smart growth enhances and completes communities by placing priority on infill, redevelopment, and densification strategies.

The City of Prince George first engaged ‘Smart Growth on the Ground’ in 2008 when Smart Growth was requested to host public forums in order to develop a better understanding of what the residents of Prince George envisioned for the community.

 

"All those participating in the process should be extremely proud of their contributions. We have an exciting concept plan but of course the key will be ensuring it is implemented, something we are already working on."

Dan Rogers, former Mayor, City of Prince George

"This was an amazing process and I am honoured to have been a part of it. It was an inclusive process and I'm thrilled with the outcome."

Manpreet Sidhu, Youth Representative on Design Charette, Smart Growth On The Ground - Prince George

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Positive Economic Impacts in Prince George

In September of 2009, Prince George City Council officially adopted Smart Growth's conceptual plan. The end goal of the Smart Growth plan in Prince George by 2035, is that the community will have tree-lined streets, rooftop gardens, mixed-used development, a year-round public market, a large downtown park connected to the Heritage Trail system, and potentially a stream running from Two Rivers Gallery through a parkway to the Fraser River.

The plan also calls for use of environmentally-friendly buildings, more transportation options, new programs and housing to address homelessness and social issues downtown, and improvements to a number of public spaces downtown.

Feasibility Studies

The Feasibility Studies is no longer available. Please visit the Capital Investment Analysis program page

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Downtown Prince George revitalization underway

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