Committee for Sustainable Community Development

By 250 News

Councilor Debora Munoz  has failed in her effort to have her Prince George Council Colleagues to develop an integrated Community Sustainability plan. 

She envisions a committee of about 21 people working on everything from social, development, environmental and cultural aspects of Prince George. 

Councilor Don Zurowski says while he recognizes the intent of the request, he worries the committee would be cumbersome "Would the effect slow down the decision making process?" asked Zurowski.  He points out there are numerous committees already doing much of the work Councilor Munoz is calling for.  He pointed out the movement for smart growth, the special needs advisory committee, air quality task force, a social plan and $15 million invested in water improvement.

Councilor Don Bassermann says the proposal is problematic in that the committee proposal is too large, and the suggested work puts existing functions in "akward positions".  He suggests the City instead try to identify the groups already doing the work, and find a way to access their information.

Councilor Sherry Sethen would like to have a clear definition of "Sustainability" so those already doing the work have a common definition.

The Mayor says, "If we could come up with a clear meaning for sustainabiity, we could sell it, as it means something different to so many. " 

Councilor Munoz says at the very least,  she would like to see some guiding principles incorporated with the Official Community Plan, but there needs to be a better definition of "sustainability".

The Mayor says "I think  Council agrees that sustainability is a desireable thing, but I think they believe we are already doing it, what we seem to need is an outline of what we are doing, and perhaps come up with some ideas on how to do it better."

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