Council Keeps PAC Momentum Moving
Prince George, B.C.- Although supporting the development of a Performing Arts Centre in Prince George has been on the radar for the City of Prince George for several years, a new report has pegged the project at $11 million more than had been previously thought. Knowing that no dollars are being committed at this point, Council has agreed to keep the project moving forward.
The review by Administration concludes that the PAC would likely cost $51.05 million dollars in 2017 dollars. It also painted a very gloomy picture of there being any provincial or federal funding for the project in the next few years.
Yet, the review looked at how the project might be paid for, slicing up the bill as each level of government paying 30% and the private sector fundraising 10%.
As for where the City of Prince George would find the dollars, the report says borrowing the near $12 million dollars would mean a tax hike of 1.28 to 1.68 % to cover the debt cost. The report suggests the money might come from the Terasen Gas lease in lease out legacy, the sale of land, taxes or the federal gas tax funds, but recommended the money come from the Legacy fund when funding from senior levels of government becomes available.
The report also pointed out that if Theatre NorthWest becomes a resident company of the PAC with exclusive use of the smaller (250 seat) theater, the annual subsidy from the City for the PAC would be in the $404 thousand dollar range. The report says the subsidy amount could be over $500 thousand if Theatre NorthWest does not become a resident company of the PAC.
Council has unanimously approved the following recommendations:
- That administration continue meeting with Theatre North West and the Prince George Regional Performing Arts Centre Society to determine if an agreement can be reached allowing for Theatre North West to have a key role in the proposed performing arts centre.
- That administration consult with local Federal government representatives in order to schedule a presentation on funding arts and culture capital projects to the Federal Finance Committee during its pre-budget consultations expected in the fall of 2014.
- Support the Prince George Regional Performing Arts Centre Society in their community engagement and fund-raising efforts.
- Keep the City-owned parcels of land adjacent to the Keg Restaurant, (old Ed Delorme garage and Norgate Autobody) available for use for the proposed PAC, until such time as the land is no longer required for the proposed performing arts centre, or there becomes significant cause to revisit this motion.
- That Council supports in principle using a portion of the 2021 Legacy funding from the Terasen Gas Lease In Lease Out Agreement towards the City’s thirty percent share of the capital costs for a new performing arts centre, and directs administration to provide recommendations back to Council on committing those funds at such time as the other external funding from the Federal and Provincial governments and the private sector has been committed.
- That Council looks at additional funding such as the federal gas tax, potential net revenues from land sales and contributions from the Regional District at such time as the other external funding from the Federal and Provincial governments and the private sector has been committed.
"No doubt investment in the Arts is an improvement for everyone" says Councilor Albert Koehler, "How can we make our community more colourful, more attractive, how can we increase the tax base? Certainly an Arts centre would help." Koehler says at this time he is not in favour of taking on more debt or raising taxes, but has no problem supporting the recommendations put before Council.
Councilor Murry Krause says its important to remind people that the $51 million dollar price tag is in 2017 dollars, not 2014 dollars, and he hopes the City will take an active role in assisting the PAC in moving this project forward. "For me, my support for the PAC has not diminished over the years, it has gotten stronger." He says people need to be reminded that a PAC will be an economic generator for the community and will assist in recruitment and retention of professionals.
Councilor Dave Wilbur says the report "Re-invigorated and renewed my faith that a Performing Arts Centre is needed and will happen. This is an exceptional report, it makes it easy to review it and look for a way to say yes."
Councilor Brian Skakun asked how a referendum question might be presented on the matter. City Manager Beth James responded saying "There isn't sufficient information to craft a referendum question that would provide sufficient direction to Council, What is the PAC? How big does it need to be? There's a number of questions we've raised throughout the report that need to be resolved. "
Ms. James says the report "Continues the momentum on the project, but really, until we have an idea about Federal and Provincial funding, that's the point where we would want to be coming back to Council to ask for a decision around spending money on furthering the design and drawings for the project. But we still need to get the operating model solidified and we're not quite there yet."
Comments
And this just shows how far out of touch they are from the people they are supposed to represent. No federal funds. No provincial funds. No private funds. Lets push ahead anyhow. I would like to say I am shocked but with this mayor and council, nothing surprises me any more.
Gas tax is for roads Idiots!
These sneaky underhanded buffoons!
Ask yourself, why they would discount the construction costs from 2017 dollars? There is lots of double-speak and confusing bits thrown in to distract from the fact that I think these morons intend to build this thing in the next term.
So, they have discounted the construction cost to make it more palatable (as if that could be possible.) So, the 2017 amount would be $51.05million * (1 + 2%)^3 = $54.17million.
I’d like for one of these idiots on Council, just one of them to explain to me how this will be a revenue generator, and exactly who’s hands that revenue will flow to. So for my extra $100/year est. in property tax per year, how much money is going to flow back to me and over what time period. What’s my rate of return going to be? This is a joke.
These people have drunk the kool aid and taken the Rob Ford leadership program, clearly.
“No federal funds. No provincial funds. No private funds.”. Yup. MOMENTUM
Councilor Brian Skakun asked how a referendum question might be presented on the matter. City Manager Beth James responded saying “There isn’t sufficient information to craft a referendum question that would provide sufficient direction to Council,
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That sounds like an evasive answer…..add it to the next civic ballot perhaps would have been a more appropriate answer?
Did a quick read over the report presented and one thing that raised more than a few red flags was that TNW was dragged to the table kicking and screaming. They have a long list of conditions that must be addressed before they will even consider being part of the project.
My take is that TNW is a hostage to this process under threat that grant money will disappear if they do not take part. Not a good sign when what should be one of the cornerstone groups to the success of this type of facility offers at best luke warm support.
This is exactly the type of project that a city should build with borrowed money giving the citizens a voice either through referendum or AAP when the time comes. Trying to sneak funding through the back door via gas tax or Fortis money is a weasel move.
Just because the city did not have 20% of the worst roads in the province on this years list does not mean gas tax money can be directed elsewhere, road repair is an ongoing process!
Could someone please explain to me how the city can plan to build a building without adequate parking when these same folks would make a private investor do so. If I were the businesses located on George Street near the proposed PAC, I would start the screaming now.
I think you are right ewitt – TNW is in for some troubling times.
I wish these same councilors who are so committed to building this damn thing would be just as committed to maintaining the infrastructure in our city.
“Support the Prince George Regional Performing Arts Centre Society in their community engagement and fund-raising efforts.”
What fund-raising efforts? What engagement of the community?
There is zero momentum to maintain – give it a rest for now and concentrate on infrastructure, like the lack of sidewalks and proper maintenance of the few existing ones, in other words: The basics, although there is not that much instant glamour in it!
How about this Beth
Does Prince George need a PAC
Yes or no
How much are you paid again?
I think what Beth meant was “There isn’t sufficient information to craft a referendum question that would provide the answer that council wants”
The taxpayers of PG demand a referendum!
There actually will be a referendum this fall and it will be at the ballot box. Very simple to ask each person that is running, “do you support the PAC yes or no”.
It will be very interesting to see how most will avoid that yes or no answer. There are going to be a lot of current councilors skewered on that fence!
Okay, to be fair, the PG taxpayer subsidizes a lot of activities. The ice rink users don’t pay the full freight – the city subsidizes – the cougars – same thing. Soccer fields – cost more to maintain than revenue in. So, when it comes to sports related activities, we seem to understand that you can’t expect the user to pay it all – and we want people in the city to be active – it’s good for everyone. And a city has to be a place worth living. Truth is, this city has some excellent cycling infrastructure, and it’s one of the reason’s I’ll probably retire here rather than elsewhere. So, I guess the issue is, are we being fair to the people who are arts minded to say to them, sure, we can have rinks, sports centers, bike paths, soccer fields, etc., and you guys can have the auditorium at the high school. We pay taxes, they pay taxes. I guess the only real question though – is how many people really want this thing – a few hundred, a thousand. Because for there to be taxpayer subsidy, there has to be enough taxpayer’s to want it to make it justified taxing people for it.
Rob Ford looks like a genius compared to the clowns on PG city council who are so far out of touch with the average citizen it would seem like they are on another planet. Skakun at least had the balls to ask about a referendum.
A statement by Beth James that not enough info is available to have a referendum on the November ballot. What a crock. Council and the city manager are just trying a end run to utilize the funds designated for other areas to satisfy the wants of a few.
Let’s hope there are some new faces running for council who are in favour of a PAC referendum.
Mayor and council, are you not employees of the citizens of PG? Of course you are, should you not listen to what your bosses want or don’t want, of course you should.
Could you please explain to me and the rest of Prince George why you don’t listen to us. It isn’t because you are smarter than us and think you know what’s best for us, you clearly don’t ( the decision to wait for more snowfall before the poles hit the road is a perfect example )
A referendum on the PAC is cheaper than the ongoing discussion about it. How many wasted hours on this thing so far? With the shape of the city’s infrastructure, the large massing debt , the huge cost the winter games will be.. Is a PAC really worth a second of thought.. NO it’s NOT.. Drop any further discussion until you have the cities ducks in order, which will be many years.
Here is a cute idea. The “Northern Gateway Performing Arts Centre”. Get Enbridge’s name all over it…they could pay for the whole thing and not even notice a dent in their budget line.
Ha, even Enbridge laugh at this one. Spend more money on getting to NO.Stop this crap and review in 10 years or start raising the money from the public and business find out were the support is. I agree just the same call the question would you support a PAC in in PG YES OR NO
You all seem to think the NO would win a referendum, hands down. How do you know for sure? Have you asked every voting person in PG?
Just because 30 or so whiners/arts-haters on this site don’t want the PAC, doesn’t mean the entire city feels the same way.
I couldn’t give a rat’s arse one way or the other. I just think it’s presumptuous.
Pylot Project; It might be presumptuous, however keep in mind that it is the PAC Society and the City that don’t want a referendum.
One would think that there is a reason that they want to avoid a vote on this issue.
My guess is that the NO vote would win hands down, mainly because of the cost, and the lack of interest in this type of facility.
They were just on CBC radio touting the benefits of the project and the funny thing was he said the playhouse is a wonderful facility but just in the wrong location…
Since when is smack dab in the middle of the city the wrong location? The fact that it is not downtown gives it ample parking which is another plus. Why not have the PAC promote the wonderful facilities we do have instead of promoting the fact that we don’t have the facility they want? I thought the whole message our mayor has been trying to promote is how good a city we are, why not have them make a list of the facilities we do have and promote what they do bring to the city?
That was my exact thought upon hearing that interview slinky. The location is the problem? You mean at the corner of both major highways, close to several new hotels and lots of parking? Yes sounds like a terrible spot!
Its only the wrong location if the city wants to sell the property to pay for a new PAC – its like a GOTO loop.
Whiners/arts haters… No. Realists.. We can’t afford a PAC.. We are deep in debt, roads in horrible shape, city parks need better care, sewer system crumbling apart, snow removal a joke, garbage removal keeps costing more, now we get a winter games tax, plus a rain tax, and our utility bill is sky rocketing. Guess that’s okay to you pilot.. You love paying these taxes I guess, think they are warranted and now want another.
The PAC committee keeps saying a PAC will make people moved to PG, but the huge taxes will keep them away more then any PAC will draw them in.
2017 dollars not 2014 dollars, so my taxes will continue to raise to pay for this for the next 3 years + . Assist in recruitment and retention of professionals, we can’t even keep our doctors here, I don’t think a PAC will help with that, maybe better roads, and cleaner city??
By the way has any one noticed that the flower baskets along central and going across the hart bridge are not there this year? A few savings of dollars :)
The make-up of the city’s population is changing, in part due to the creation of UNBC. At some point, it will change enough that a majority of the citizens want — and are willing to pay for — a good Performing Arts Centre.
However, that day is still a long way off especially with the glacially-slow growth PG’s population has shown over the past decade.
I’d like to see proof from other similar sized cities that a new PAC actually brought new citizens to town. A new PAC will do nothing when taxes are high, roads are in outrageous condition in all seasons and the city is being run into the ground. Personally, I am for a PAC but only when the time is right.
For the life of me I can’t understand why the City keeps this idea alive. I’m starting to think that the PAC is the first real evidence that ZOMBIES exist…..
I agree with most of the comments above. If they came to the table with a boat load of cash ie 50% of the money or PG all of a sudden grew by 20,000 people then maybe it would be something to consider, but not now.
So if we look around PG right now we have the playhouse, vania hall and theatre Northwest. I’ve lived in PG since 1995 (20 years) and consider myself to be one of these “professionals” and I am content with the current options for this type of entertainment.
Roads, crime and making the City look nice are much higher on the priority list for this City. City Hall listen to the people.
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