Green Corridor


Prince George is situated in an incredible position, at the confluence of two major rivers (Nechako and Fraser) - yet we have no access to these treasures. The idea of the Green Corridor is simple, use existing City land to connect the downtown to the Fraser River through land that is undervalued and used partly as a City workyard, and also as a dumping ground for piles of dirt and garbage. The Green Corridor would utilize the land beginning at Queensway across from City Hall and extend to the Heritage Rivers Trail system at the Fraser River.

THE VISION

Visualization:
  • Pedestrian mall situated below the banks of Patricia Blvd.
  • A wide Boulevard will connect to the Fraser River, Cottonwood Island Park to the north east, Fort George Park and Exploration
  • Place to the south, and to City Hall, Two Rivers Gallery, Bob Harkins Library, swimming pool and Spirit Square to the north.

Possibly Incorporating:
  • Cultural District
  • Performing Arts Centre, Studio Theatre
  • Farmers Market
  • Outdoor green space, performances & special events area
  • Tourism Destination
  • Webb Management ideas of Building Cluster
  • Integrating Smart Growth Principles
  • Green Corridor
  • Connection to the river and Heritage River Trail system
  • Promotion of alternative transportation, walking, cycling and cultural routes

Improvements:
  • The City Works yard will be eliminated and the site reclaimed
  • The existing sheds could be used for potential arts / cultural studios and workshops, farmers market etc. - similar to Granville Island.
  • Connection of an existing, thriving downtown neighbourhood to the downtown city centre. This would assist with the revitalization of downtown as it would provide a link and route that residents and visitors would use in both directions. (The Millar Addition is a vibrant neighbourhood with a healthy mix of mature and young families concerned about quality of life and Smart Growth development principals).
  • Potential for condominium development and business centre in the area
  • Mixed use areas (business, culture, residential) can create an energy and atmosphere that would bring new life into a tired and decaying downtown.

Attraction:
  • Tourism potential would be magnified by direct access from Via Rail, Highway 16 traffic from the east, airport visitors
  • Cultural walking tour circuit: Art Gallery - Performing Arts Centre - Exploration Place. Route would take in the new green boulevard and trails, Heritage River Trail, Fort George Park and Connaught Hill Park.
  • Pedestrian, Cycle and Disability friendly utilizing a paved trail system that would connect even the furthest city neighbourhoods such as the (proposed) Hart Highlands and College Heights city wide trail system.