Prince George, B.C. – Chamber House is slowly picking up steam.

Created by the Prince George Chamber of Commerce out of their own office space, it was billed as a place where members can warm up, enjoy a hot beverage, watch Games’ events, or even work remotely.

“We’ve had a little less traffic than we were hoping for,” says CEO Christie Ray. “We’re getting a handful (of people) per day, though Thursday picked up a bit so it was somewhere around maybe 10 and we actually had close to 20 people on Friday.”

So why the lack of traffic?

“I think concerns over parking could be part of it. I also think that the business community has put aside these two weeks to be involved in the Games and everybody has odd hours because they’re trying to fit their work in but also trying to go to events.”

Chamber House – Photo courtesy P.G. Chamber of Commerce

Ray adds mother nature may be the biggest factor though.

“We promoted Chamber House as a place initially to come warm-up and have a hot drink and the weather is gorgeous and warm. People want to stay outside in the sunshine, they don’t want to go anywhere to warm up.”

But despite the slow start she’s still pleased with how things have gone.

“Overall we’re really happy and glad we did Chamber House. People are making some great connections and it’s really providing some benefit to people.”

Chamber House will remain open the second week of the Games. Its hours are 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday to Friday and noon to 9 p.m. on weekends.