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Press Release
28–Oct–02
Petriw calls for council to commit to OCP
Following guiding principles could lead to more development, downtown re-invention
Prince George — City council candidate Shawn Petriw today called upon City Council to commit to the guiding principles outlined in the Official Community Plan.
"The OCP is a strategic asset, and should be used as one. A commitment to these guiding principles is key to our economic future because the OCP provides a level of certainty to investors. Disregarding it adds risk and is a barrier to investment."
Mr. Petriw believes the city is missing an important opportunity by moving forward with the sale of the driving range property to John Major.
"The city should be selling that land to Craig Wood, and at the same time assembling appropriate land downtown for John Major. This way we move ahead with two developments, not just one."
Mr. Petriw says the city is missing an opportunity for greater economic development, greater increase in the tax base, an important downtown development and opportunity to stay true to the OCP.
"It appears to me that this council believes money talks and OCP walks. But the OCP has tremendous value that is not being factored into this decision."
Mr. Petriw believes a better solution exists which would be enthusiastically supported by all parties. Mr. Petriw suggests that:
- A destination–style casino and tourist accommodation is an important downtown development project.
- A significantly improved facility, though downtown, will bring most, if not all the benefits desired by the Lottery Corporation and the city.
- Net proceeds above expropriation expenses can be used for further downtown development.
- A significant portion of the Driving Range sale to Craig Wood will be directed to downtown development.
- Two major development projects, totaling at least $20 million, would move forward, rather than just one.
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