Buisnesses On River Road Will Put Up $1 million Dollars To Move City Berms

By 250 News

Prince George, B.C.  -The Nechako River Industry Group has offered up $1,000,000 dollars in cash, in kind and land to have the city construct a permanent berm , that does not impact their businesses, along the Nechako River .

The offer was presented today to the Emergency Operations Committee at City Hall.

Businesses along River Rd say they are being driven out of business because the city has constructed a berm that in some cases is more than 2meters high and they cannot continue to operate in this manner.

Here is a copy of the offer:

Nechako River Industry Group.

Industry Position: Nechako River Ice Jam

13 January 2008

We, the affected businesses and property owners affected by the flooding of the Nechako River in Prince George, absolutely recognize that a temporary berm that protects the lives and properties of the citizens of Prince George is essential.  We are seeking an agreement with the City of Prince George and the Province of British Columbia to work collaboratively to prepare effective flood defences for properties exposed to the Nechako River. 

Our group has collectively worked together to meet our goal of keeping the river within its banks 365 days of the year and to ensure our ability to pursue our business, operate our equipment and to have access to our properties. We need our employees to work in a safe environment and for them to have the confidence that their work schedules will not be interrupted by flooding.  We believe that these goals are consistent with those of the city.

Immediate Issue:

We are asking the city to agree to a temporary riverfront berm to replace the berm built on River road.  We believe that the riverfront option will protect the flood plain for the greater good.  In addition, it allows the businesses on River road to continue operations. 

1.      We need in writing a commitment from the city that the River road berm is a temporary measure.

2.      We require that the temporary gravel berm that has been constructed on River road be removed as soon as an alternate riverfront option is in place or after the local state of emergency has been lifted but no later than 31 August 2008

We have resolved that as a minimum, we must have the following in the longer term:

1.      We require a permanent riverfront dike on the south bank of the Nechako River parallel to River road as part of a comprehensive flood control system along both banks of the river.

2.      We will work to enhance the dike to include a walkway, cycle path, benches, lighting and park like setting, including public parking areas, as part of the City’s riverfront trail network.

3.      We have agreed that property owners and businesses will voluntarily contribute, in cash or in kind, including the donation of land, to augment funding from the City and Provincial governments for the permanent riverfront dike.  The group has initiated a fund raising effort and already has a commitment of $1,000,000.We require that the permanent riverfront dike be complete no later than 31 October 2008.

John A. Brink and John Elmslie

Co-Chairs of the Nechako River Industry Group.

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