• \ A10 «* * i I $ THE FREE PRESS NEWS NOVEMBER 3, 1996 ▼ From A9 Creating climate part of mayor’s job ferent than the others because it is, again, a mixed approach. In particular, when he speaks of the downtown, he refers to the area as a “work-in-progress.” While he supported the plan to revitalize Third Avenue, which merchants rejected, Mr. Basser-mann says the growth in the downtown is “incremental” but impressive. He points to the Brick, the courthouse, the new Native Friendship Centre, new restaurants and the Westel Centre as key indicators of a renaissance. “We have to raise the level of consciousness of what’s happening in the downtown.” One of the key developments, he suggests, is the stepping forward of groups to take ownership of some of the problems in the city’s core. “We can talk about a new spirit in Prince George, a new spirit in the downtown. We can talk about groups that are prepared now to solve some of the problems. The Gospel Mission is an example of that, it has met with some resistance but it has also met with considerable support.” Another step in recraft-ing the downtown’s image is cleaning up George Street between Second and Fifth Avenues, which for many people is the sole image they have of the downtown. “I’ve offered a number of solutions to the downtown and I’ve suggested a number of tools to make it happen. And one of those tools is the tool of dispersal. “If we have all the services that are needed by a certain element - what we would characterize as the negative element - in the downtown in a relatively confined area that's where they’re going to be. “If we move the facilities, but still allow the people access, when I go downtown with my grandson it’s not as intimidating or threatening." A pet peeve of Mr. Bassermann’s is the Liquor Store on Fourth Avenue, something he says needs to be moved away from the core of the city - possibily to the Parkwood site. As to development in other parts of the city, Mr. Bassermann says growth needs to be encouraged and planned. The Parkwood location is one that he, as mayor, would like to see revitalized. “I haven’t boldly come out and said it’s °»» 'or °n council „„ '* years Ke&onat 6ii a 0n Honh Cant1 an<3 Ass°Catio„ra,Mmioioal , c f Are you on BC Benefits OR Welfare to Work? Prince George Native Friendship Centre If so, you can be a part of an exciting job search initiative. *' To Register Contact: .Kim Olafson or Zandra Wycotte at The Prince George Native Friendship Centre’s F.mpioyment Unit 144 George Street Prince George, B.C. V2L1P9 Tekphone:(604)564-7440 or 564-3568 “Working Together We Can Succeed” Sponsored by: Ministry of Kducation, Skills and Training the only way, but it will contribute to the downtown and to the Gateway.” In terms of attracting business, Mr. Bassermann says the city can do four main things: • proper land use planning • have all the needed infrastructure • be responsive and welcoming to business • create the right climate. “Investors will see Prince George as a solid place to be,” says Mr. Bassermann. One of the toughest challenges facing the city is the cutting of funds from the province. Mr. Bassermann expects Prince George to take a $750,000 hit. “It’s really significant and we will have to look at diverting existing resources, the role of (staff) attrition and other forms of revenue generation.” Cariboo Country Promotions would like to thank the following sponsors for their support with Northern Interior Dance Festival '96 Avon, Linda Seville B's Flower Basket Benny's Chicken & Yogurt Beyond The Stage Big Four Productions Canfor, Prince George Pulp and Paper CIBC Finance Inc. CKKN Kickin Country Cycle North Dancing Shoes Downright Crafty Koops Bike Shop Ltd. Kowloon Restaurant Magic Moments Balloon Bouquets McLeod 9 Eatery North Country Dancers Park Avenue Limousines Pat's Hair Design Prince George Auto Wrecking Remax, Simone McMillan Royal Dry Cleaners Spurs and Jingles Dancers Tent Country Wear The Prince George Free Press Top Gun Collision Auto Body Veekens Poultry Farm Ltd. Western Horseman Whispering Pines Dancers Withey's Wood Wheaton The power ot effective adverfisina... THE PRINCE GEORGE Darlene Mastroianni, Advertising Consultant, Free Press Dear Darlene Pnnce** Flo-'" "°“ld “ .mVomhe'p'01 *»EE',,lo,“ FREE PRESS “Together we can build a happy and growing business in Prince George” asset to us _ . especially the bndes, for the ^ us in the Free Press. Together we can build happy and growing bus,nesses in Prince George Thanks again, Holly and the Princess Bowers Staff v H..: To feel the power of effective advertising, call THE PRINCE GEORGE FREE PRESS 564-0005 c I because veotieCtrfui hef ....... towers to tootJZ'' rr<^ Jz£y every ttl , ?' * ■MfiSZlf the hu, a7e <,ndhrfpinl the, - m tP'JLy j ^ ' • « I ant so sorry you " ■v ?.**,