Tourism

BC City Guide 2018: Prince George

The largest population centre in northern British Columbia, Prince George is located smack-dab in the middle of the province. It's also far bigger than any other city in the region. Prince George owes its prominence to a 1908-14 land boom linked to the construction of the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway...

By Nathan Caddell /

Credit: Courtesy of UNBC

A small-town feel still reigns in one of the province’s major cities

The largest population centre in northern British Columbia, Prince George is located smack-dab in the middle of the province. It’s also far bigger than any other city in the region. Prince George owes its prominence to a 1908-14 land boom linked to the construction of the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway (now part of the Canadian National Railway). As the story goes, rival communities South Fort George and Central Fort George vied to host the station. Picture Gangs of New York without all the blood (we think). Not wanting other developers to profit off its work, the railway bought almost 1,400 acres from the Fort George Indian Reserve for $125,000 and laid the foundations for modern Prince George’s downtown.

After the Second World War, the city grew a prosperous forestry industry that still thrives today. Canfor Corp.’s pulp and wood products divisions are among the biggest employers in Prince George, putting a total of about 800 people to work. The provincial and federal governments also have a presence in the city, and with two local post-secondary institutions, College of New Caledonia and University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC), education is a key industry. The latter is known for its small classes and its commitment to helping solve regional problems. For example, the UNBC campus is heated by clean-burning renewable wood pellets made from trees killed by the pine beetle epidemic.

With an average household income barely lower than Vancouver’s, the city’s economy appears healthy, and its strategic location has encouraged major players like Telus Corp. to set up shop. Although unemployment remains higher than the provincial average, it’s improved over the past several years.

The CN Centre, a 10-minute drive from downtown, is always packed for sporting events, along with concerts by the likes of Elton John and Billy Talent. Another popular venue is the Rolling Mix Concrete Arena, which hosts beloved Junior A hockey team the Spruce Kings from its spot overlooking the Nechako River.

Prince George may be growing bigger by the year, but small-town friendliness still rules on sunny and snowy days. After all, this is a place where spring “melting” season is a thing, leaving road crews scrambling to keep up with residents’ calls to clear pond-sized puddles from the streets. It’s no joke: puddles and potholes can be a big obstacle to the sea of vehicles rolling up and down highways 97 and 16. Increasingly, all roads lead to Prince George.

PEOPLE
Population: 84,507
Household age (0-45, 45-64, 64+): 38.3%, 40%, 21.7%
University grads: 17.5%
Average household income: $100,056
Average household income under 45: $90,337
Five-year income growth, 2012-17: 14.8%
Five-year population growth: –1.5%

HOUSING
Average detached home price: $363,719
Average condominium price: $402,450
Average monthly rent for a two-bedroom: $857
Average annual household spending on shelter: $17,111

WORK
Key industries: Construction; manufacturing; education; forestry; transportation; health care and social services
Notable employers: Canadian Forest Products Ltd. (Canfor); Canfor Pulp Products Inc.; College of New Caledonia, Government of British Columbia; Northern Health; University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC)
Regional unemployment: 6.2% (February)

BUSINESS
Total value of building permits issued in 2017: $116,813,361
Change from 2016: –8.6%
Average processing time for a building permit: 2-11 weeks
Cost of a business licence: $36-$4,206
Business property tax rate:  $25 per $1,000 of assessed value
Average office lease rate per sq. ft./year: $16.42
Average retail lease rate: $18.12

QUALITY OF LIFE
Major post-secondary institutions: College of New Caledonia; UNBC
Major recreational amenities: CN Centre stadium; Rolling Mix Concrete Arena; five parks; three skating rinks; two curling rinks; aquatic centre; indoor climbing club; downhill and cross-country skiing
Key annual events: British Columbia Northern Exhibition (spring and fall); Prince George Rodeo; Northern Lights Festival
Average annual household spending on recreation: $4,982
Residents who walk or bike to work: 3.3%

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