Prince George, B.C.- The phase one report from the Mayor’s Task Force on Downtown will be put before City Council this evening.

The report makes 69 recommendations, of which 19 are listed as needing immediate attention.

The report recognizes the previous work and plans to work hand in hand with the myPG /official community plan efforts, the Smart Growth on the Ground results, and the Beyond Homelessness Committee to achieve   the overall goals.

Council will also be advised of the City’s financial commitment to some of the work carried out as part of the upgrade to the Highway 16 and Tyner Boulevard improvements. The upgrades to the City streets as part of that project carry a bill for over half a million dollars.

Also on the agenda for this evening, an update on the status of the Hotel room tax which will add 2% to the cost of a hotel room in Prince George. The dollars collected will be handed over to Tourism Prince George.

Council will be asked to make two changes in the City. One would see Moore’s Meadow made into an off leash park for dogs, and would restrict other user groups. The other request is for a speed limit reduction on Highland Drive in the Hart.

An update on the status of a townhouse project on Westmount Drive will be presented. This is the project which has structural damage due to the concrete foundation being exposed during last winter, and further deterioration has taken place since Council ordered the property owners to take immediate action several months ago.

Updates on two funding requests will be provided, specifically, a request from the David Douglas Botanical Society and the JDC West Business competition.