Prince George, B.C.- City staff have been directed by Council to develop a report on the available tools  and legislative authority  the City can use regarding the “reclamation “ of fire damaged or neglected building sites in Prince George.

The motion was brought forth by Councillor Don Zurowski who expressed concern over the building at Second and Quebec which remains cordoned off even though the fire that ravaged that building happened more than a year ago. ( see photo at right)

 There is also the hole at the corner of Third and George Streets which has not been filled in since the B and B Music building was torn down following a fire.  Council was advised the owner of the B & B site has put out a call for the development of that site at  Third and George.

In his motion Zurowski noted “We have numerous fire impacted sites in the city of Prince George that stand dormant and unsightly. In some instances there is an extended period of time between the disaster and fully securing the site for the safety of the community. Additionally, some sites are left unsightly and without any indication of renewal or reclamation”.

Councillor Don Zurowski  added "This City Council has been very patient and in some cases there have been insurance  claims that are outstanding, but at some point the City needs to get on with it."

This motion isn't just about downtown, it would apply to  any derelict building in the city which needs to be  improved or  brought up to code.

The Mayor thanked Councillor Zurowski for bringing this issue forward,  " We need to think about how to go forward and get things cleaned up, What the tools are,  I don't know, but we will have administration look at what tools  are available and what other communities  are  doing."

City Staff have already been developing a process, and  expect to bring  that process and the information requested to Council's first meeting in November.