Finances, Youth at Risk and Homelessness All on Agenda For Council

By 250 News

Prince George, B.C.-  City Council  is back  to work this evening with a detailed look  at  the challenges facing  youth in Prince George.  The Communities That Care  report  involved  examination of  2869 completed surveys of students  in grades 6, 8, 10 and 12. The results  paint a picture of  drug and alcohol use,  risky  behaviour and  troubled family life.

Council will  be asked to approve the borrowing of  $4.6 million dollars for two projects.  $3.8 million was the City’s share of the  bill for upgrades to River  Road,  the balance  was for the  services  added to the Simon Fraser Bridge ( water and sewer lines) at the time of the new bridge construction.

 The regular meeting will start with the celebration  of Bark Ward Burkitt being honoured  with  the 2010 Order of B.C. for her outstanding contributions to the community.

Council will   hear an update on homelessness in Prince George  as the  Community Partners Addressing Homelessness prepare for Homelessness Action week.  The  CPAH  report indicates  there were 361 homeless participants in May of this year,  compared to  375 in 2008 and that since the  inception of the downtown policing unit, there are fewer people  accessing  services downtown and more  people “camping” outside of the downtown core.  Homelessness Action Week is October 11^th to 17^th.

Council will  be asked to  support the  efforts to have the  minimum wage increased to $10 per hour.

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