Third Avenue Planter boxes changed due to criminal activity in area

Prince George RCMP and the crime prevention through environmental design committee have identified planter boxes on Third Avenue as areas of high criminal activity.

Based on recommendations, the City of Prince George will continue safety upgrades to the downtown core by eliminating planter boxes on Third Avenue between George Street and Dominion Street.

Safety improvements to these areas will commence next week.

“The Prince George RCMP informed city administration that these planter boxes were seeing an increase in criminal activity, making it unsafe for the general public to access these areas,” said Beth James, city manager, in a press release. “With shops, eateries and hotels in the area, it is important to ensure public safety while accessing these services.”

Work being completed involves a reduction in height to the planter boxes, bringing them down to ground level, flush with existing hard surface landscape. The existing trees will remain in place.

“The planters on Third Avenue between George St. and Dominion St. have become a point of loitering, providing these individuals with a place to conceal drugs, drug paraphernalia and other contraband,” said Brad Anderson, Acting Officer in Charge, Prince George RCMP. “As they have become a danger to the community as a whole, the Prince George RCMP has requested and fully supports the removal and reconfiguration of them.”

Work is expected to be complete by the end of next week, weather permitting.