Getting the Big Picture on The Exhibition Grounds

By 250 News

There is now a 'vision' in place for Exhibition Park...

Prince George City Council has approved a Final Master Plan for the 60-hectare site located south of 15th avenue and west of Ospika Boulevard.  Some of the major facilities in the park include the CN Centre, Kin arenas, Aquatic Centre, Ice Oval and Soccer facilites.

A revised plan for the park actually started back in 2002, when it was thought that some of the user groups might be re-located to the site from Recreation Place.  The park wasn't used for that purpose and the plan was shelved until this year.  Following consultations with user groups and an open house this past spring, a consultant finalized a long-term vision.

The City's Parks and Open Space Planner, Laurie-Ann Kosec says, "A master plan for Exhibition Park is sorely needed, as it is a 'park' that is lacking the design and character typical of a park-like setting."  She says, "Overall, the park has been described as being relatively unattractive with no sense of park entry, is dominated by paved areas, and contains considerable vehicular and pedestrian network issues to resolve."

The Master Plan's main objectives are:
-- to improve the attractiveness and character of the park
-- meet the needs and interests of diverse users of the park
-- improve both the vehicular and pedestrian networks 

The City's Manager of Long Range Planning, Grant Bains, told Councillors at last night's meeting the plan will take time to bring to fruition.  "I would suggest it's in the neighbourhood of 20 to 25 years in terms of implementation, there's a fair amount of capital works required to fully implement the plan."

Bains pointed out approving the plan in no way committed council to spending any funds, as each project carried out under the plan would come back for approval.  The first step is to acquire 8.4-hectares of crown land to the west of the park...so far, no price tag is available.

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