Heritage Commission Moves to Add Historic Properties to Register

The **Prince George Heritage Commission** has taken significant steps to officially recommend adding two historic properties to the city’s heritage register. During its first meeting of **2026** on January 8, the commission authorized its chair, **Duane Davison**, vice-chair, **Ayesha Rogers**, and staff liaison **Leslie Kellett** to submit a formal request to the city council for the additions.

The commission has been discussing these properties—**Knox United Church and Performance Centre**, located at **1448 Fifth Ave.**, and a home designed by architect **Alan Greenwell** at **2299 Laurier Cres.**—for several years. Although the process to add these properties to the register started in the past, it was never officially completed. In **September 2025**, the commission approved statements outlining the historical significance of both buildings.

At the January meeting, Kellett noted that the administration is currently awaiting a report recommending that the city council approve the additions. If this report is not received promptly, the matter will be postponed until after the commission presents its **annual report** to the council in March.

In a unanimous decision, the commission empowered Davison, Rogers, and Kellett to draft the report requesting council approval for the properties’ addition to the heritage register. This decision reflects a commitment to preserving the city’s historical landmarks and ensuring they receive appropriate recognition.

In addition to the heritage register discussion, the commission addressed another critical issue concerning the **Mackenzie cairn** located at the former **Millennium Park**, situated at the intersection of **First Avenue** and **George Street**. Last year, the city sold this property to the **Regional District of Fraser-Fort George** for a nominal fee of **$1** to facilitate its redevelopment into a parking lot. Since **2023**, the site has been fenced off following the dispersal of an encampment.

The cairn has held historical significance for decades, commemorating the meeting between explorer **Alexander Mackenzie** and local First Nations in the **1790s**. This meeting was part of Mackenzie’s quest to find a water route from **Lake Athabasca** to the **Pacific Ocean**. Mayor **Simon Yu** mentioned during a **June 23, 2025** city council meeting that the plaque from the monument had already been relocated to **Lheidli T’enneh Memorial Park**, and plans were in place to eventually return the cairn stones to the river in a ceremonial event.

The Prince George Heritage Commission’s actions reflect a proactive approach to safeguarding the city’s cultural heritage, ensuring that significant sites are preserved and recognized for their historical value. As the commission moves forward with its recommendations, the outcome will play a crucial role in shaping the city’s heritage landscape for future generations.