2012 City of Prince George Annual Report

CITY OF PRINCE GEORGE 2012 ANNUAL MUNICIPAL REPORT
CITY OF
PRINCE GEORGE
Message from the Mayor, Shari Green
I am pleased to present the 2012 Annual Report. As you review this report, you will see that the City of Prince George is continuing
to contribute to the development of a community that is economically strong, healthy, and becoming more vibrant every day.
Early in 2012, after Council unanimously endorsed the Core Services Review project, it articulated the Case for Change which set
the stage for the Core Services Review. The Core Services Review engaged staff and community members in a process to identify
opportunities for change, from increasing revenues to reducing spending, and from improving efficiencies to introducing different
ways of delivering services. We are committed to acting on the opportunities that have the best potential to achieve savings, and
it is my personal desire to see much of those savings redirected to the repair and replacement of the City’s infrastructure (water,
sewer, roads and buildings).
Council’s commitment to infrastructure management was also reflected in its adoption of the Asset Management Policy which provides
the framework for the development of the City’s Asset Management capability and supports Council in its decision to invest
an unprecedented $5.4 million in the 2012 Road Rehabilitation Program. Increasing investment in road rehabilitation remains a
Council priority.
Also underway in 2012 was the establishment of a self-funded Storm Water utility. This signals Council’s continuing interest in ensuring that the City is financially
sustainable with the revenue resources required to provide the services that citizens and businesses need.
There was also much to celebrate in 2012.
• The City was recognized for its work in climate protection having achieved milestones four and five of the Partners for Climate Protection Program.
• The all inclusive playground opened at Duchess Park and, together with a fenced dog park and a mini-bike park, is creating a welcoming environment for people
of all ages and abilities.
• I had the privilege to lead a delegation to Jiangmen, China that resulted in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on Further Strengthening Friendly
Cooperation between our two cities.
• The City joined with the Canada Winter Games Host Society to mark many milestone achievements on the path to 2015. Most notably was the recognition of
the Lheidli T’enneh as the 2015 Canada Winter Games Host First Nation.
Amidst the celebrations, we experienced difficult events. The Lakeland Mills explosion and fire on April 23, 2012, affected so many people in the community. We
remember those who lost their lives and wish speedy recoveries for those injured. One cannot help but recall the professionalism of the first responders and the
tremendous outpouring of support for the families that were affected.
The spring freshet caused both the Nechako and Fraser Rivers to rise to levels not seen in many years. The resulting flooding had the City’s Emergency Operations
Centre activated and staff working long hours to ensure the security of infrastructure and citizens when a State of Local Emergency was declared on two occasions
during the month of June.
We also acknowledge the departure of City Manager Derek Bates in 2012. I appreciated his leadership and guidance as Council established its strategic priorities.
2013 will bring more tough decisions, hard work and innovation to further address these priorities. I am therefore very pleased that Beth James, our new City Manager,
is in place to help steward this important work. I invite and look forward to the continued participation of partners, citizens and staff as we action our collective
goals in 2013.
Shari Green,
Mayor
www.princegeorge.ca
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