Residents wishing to voice their concerns against the City of Prince George’s bylaws to borrow $32.2 million for civic capital and operating projects can now do so by completing a city electoral response form (ERF).
From April 18-May 30, concerned citizens can obtain the forms at City Hall or the Prince George Citizen office, by requesting the document through the Enough Already Facebook group page, or by visiting Enough Already on Saturdays at the Farmers Market. Additionally, forms can be printed off at www.princegeorge.ca.
“It is important that we mobilize the community and send a clear message to mayor and council, and city management that the runaway spending without transparency will not be tolerated,” said Phil Beaulieu, spokesperson for Enough Already. “City Hall has projected an attitude of fiscal entitlement and taxpayers not only deserve better, but are demanding change.”
The city’s $32.2 million plan includes 11 projects, each with their own bylaw. As a result, citizens looking to defeat this initiative will be required to submit 11 ERF’s to counter all 11 projects.
During the February 25 meeting of Prince George city council passed the first two readings of a bylaw to borrow roughly $32 million from the Municipal Finance Authority for various capital projects:
- $10,205,000 for repairs and upgrades to the Aquatic Centre including the building envelope
- $5,000,000 to replace critical street lights and traffic signals
- $4,670,450 to replace roofs at aging civic facilities such as the SPCA, 1310 3rd Avenue, City Yard mechanical bay, Kin 2, Kin 3, Two Rivers Gallery, Agriplex, Civic Centre, Senior’s Activity Centre, and CN Centre.
- $2,919,583 for the replacement of City vehicles and equipment
- $2,701,000 for repairs and upgrades to Masich Place Stadium
- $1,675,000 to further redevelop Ron Brent Park
- $1,400,000 to expand the mausoleum at the Memorial Park Cemetery
- $1,200,000 for 14th Avenue Upgrades (Irwin Street to Freeman Street)
- $1,100,000 to replace a failing culvert on Goose Country Road
- $800,000 for the Highway 16 West Frontage-Heyer Road to Henry Road Project
- $500,000 for new traffic signals at the Domano and St. Lawrence intersection
Important information on ERFs:
• Each form must be hand signed; electronic signatures will not be accepted
• Eligible voters must be at least 18 years old and residing in Prince George
• Multiple forms per address are accepted
• ERF’s submitted prior to April 18 will not be accepted
• Enough Already! is providing volunteers to print, distribute, and return forms for ease of access
“The city has made this process extremely challenging to defeat by establishing 11 separate bylaws,” said Beaulieu. “Based on the community’s outrage, there is a strong wave approaching of motivated individuals who want change and are frustrated with the financial stewardship coming from City Hall.”
For more information on how you can get involved and have your say in the City’s financial future, visit the Enough Already! Facebook Page at https://www.facebook.com/groups/842927622705364/