AGENDA Select Committee on Poverty Reduction Tuesday ... Hall/Committee... · Access to Services and Supports: Identify Themes to Inform Recommended Council Action ... Last Housing

Document Number: 534155

AGENDA Select Committee on Poverty Reduction Tuesday, February 11, 2020 – 12:00 p.m.

City Hall – 2nd Floor Conference Room

A. COMMENCEMENT

B. ADOPTION OF AGENDA

C.

C.1

ADOPTION OF MINUTES

Minutes from the Select Committee on Poverty Reduction Meeting held January 14, 2020

D.

D.1

OLD BUSINESS

Affordable Housing: Review, Amend as Necessary, and Approve Recommendations for CouncilConsideration

• CMHC’s annual Rental Market Survey. Get the data and the reports

E.

E.1

E.2

NEW BUSINESS

Access to Services and Supports: Identify Themes to Inform Recommended Council Action • Backgrounder Package• PowerPoint Presentation re: Ministry of Social Development & Poverty Reduction –

Community Integration Strategy

Committee Annual Report to Council • Review and approve for inclusion on the March 9, 2020 regular Council meeting agenda

F.

F.1

INFORMATIONAL ITEMS

Next Committee Meeting: March 10, 2020 – Education and Training / Employment and Jobs

G. ADJOURNMENT

Please confirm your attendance by contacting Leslie Kellett, at (250) 561-7655 or [email protected] Thank you.

Document Number: 532234 

SELECT COMMITTEE ON POVERTY REDUCTION Minutes of the City of Prince George Select Committee on Poverty Reduction meeting, held in the 2nd Floor Conference Room, City Hall, 1100 Patricia Boulevard, Prince George, BC, on January 14, 2020 at 12:00 p.m.

PRESENT: Councillor Murry Krause (Chair); Councillor Cori Ramsay; Ms. Janet Marren <12:04 p.m. to 1:25 p.m.>; Ms. Darcie Smith; Ms. Jennifer Harrington; Mr. Ron Carter; Mr. Devin Croin; Ms. Kerry Pateman; and Mr. Roy Law. IN ATTENDANCE: Ms. Chris Bone, Associate Director of Strategic Initiatives and Partnerships; Ms. Sarah Brown, Supervisor of Community Well-being and Partnerships/Staff Liaison; Ms. Marta Gregor, Community Coordinator; Mr. Tristin Deveau, Planner <12:03 p.m. to 12:30 p.m.> and Ms. Leslie Kellett, Legislative Coordinator. GUESTS: Mr. Jeff Kormos

A. Commencement

The meeting was called to order at 12:03 p.m. Ms. Janet Marren entered the 2nd Floor Conference Room at 12:04 p.m.

B. Adoption of Agenda

Moved by Councillor Ramsay, seconded by Ms. Smith, that the agenda for the January 14, 2020 Select Committee on Poverty Reduction, BE ADOPTED.

Carried Unanimously

C. C.1

Adoption of Minutes Minutes from the Select Committee on Poverty Reduction meeting held December 10, 2019

Moved by Ms. Smith, seconded by Ms. Marren, that the minutes for the meeting held December 10, 2019, BE ADOPTED.

Carried Unanimously

D. D.1

Old Business Reducing Stigma and Discrimination The Committee reviewed the proposed recommendations for Council’s consideration regarding “Stigma and Discrimination Associated with Living in Poverty”.

Moved by Councillor Ramsay, seconded by Ms. Pateman, that the Committee ACCEPTS the recommendations/actions, as presented in the agenda package for the January 14, 2020 Committee meeting, with the following amendment to item 1 under the theme of “Education” to read: Revise myPG community grant criteria and wording to incent campaigns and initiatives

that reduce stigma and discrimination associated with issues like poverty, to ensure all citizens can fully participate in community life; and for the City to participate, and encourage the participation of its partners, in the design and execution of such campaigns.

Carried Unanimously

Minutes of the Select Committee on Poverty Reduction –January 14, 2020 Page 2

Document Number: 532234 

E. E.1 E.2

New Business Affordable Housing Mr. Tristin Deveau, Planner, provided a PowerPoint presentation regarding “Creating Housing Options through Policy and Partnership” including information on the role of the City (what can the City control vs. what can the City influence), making informed decisions (how the City decides what to do), and policies and programs (how the City moves towards its goals). Discussion commenced and T. Deveau, Planner, responded to questions of the Committee. Mr. Deveau exited the 2nd Floor Conference Room at 12:30 p.m. The committee conducted a roundtable exercise with the purpose of presenting suggestions related to affordable housing. C. Bone, Associate Director of Strategic Initiatives and Partnerships, and S. Brown, Supervisor of Community Well-being and Partnerships, responded to questions of the Committee. Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) 2020 Poverty Reduction Planning and Action Program Councillor Krause (Chair) requested Committee support for the city’s grant application the UBCM 2020 Poverty Reduction Planning and Action Program – Stream 1. The grant opportunity allows the City to finance the development and implementation of a poverty reduction consultation and engagement process regarding the Committee’s recommendations to Council. Discussion commenced.

Moved by Ms. Harrington, seconded by Councillor Ramsay, that the Committee SUPPORTS the City’s grant application to the Union of British Columbia Municipalities – 2020 Poverty Reduction Planning and Action Program in the amount of $25,000 to finance the development and implementation of a poverty reduction consultation and engagement process regarding the Committee’s recommendations for Council action related to the reduction of poverty in the municipality.

Carried Unanimously

F. F.1

Informational Items Next Committee Meeting: February 11, 2020 at 12:00 p.m. – Access to Services & Supports

G. Adjournment

THE SELECT COMMITTEE ON POVERTY REDUCTION MEETING ADJOURNED AT 1:25 p.m.

_________________________________ Councillor Murry Krause, Chair

__________________________________ Ms. Leslie Kellett, Legislative Coordinator

__________________________________ CERTIFIED CORRECT

Select Committee on Poverty Reduction – January 14th, 2020  

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January 14th Meeting Focus: Housing, Affordability and Suitability Associated with Poverty Background The purpose of the Select Committee on Poverty Reduction is to make recommendations, for Council’s consideration, on the City’s role in implementing the Province’s TogetherBC Poverty Reduction Strategy. Using both the TogetherBC Poverty Reduction Strategy and the Poverty Profile- Prince George, committee members prioritized poverty “themes” for the focus of subsequent meetings (meeting of November 20th, 2019). The theme of the January 14th meeting was Housing, affordability and suitability. There was agreement when reviewing and discussing all of the themes, a variety of lenses would be applied. The lenses are: • Age group: 0-17 (children/youth) • Lone parent families • Seniors • Reconciliation • Neighborhoods highlighted in the Poverty Profile: (McIntyre Crescent, 20th Ave and

Victoria & 5th Ave and Highway 97) • Mental health and substance use • Working poor and those in absolute poverty Additionally, there was agreement to consider the role of local government and areas of influence when engaged in discussion, decision making and formulating potential recommendations. Finally, it was highlighted that consideration be given to the recommendations related to poverty reduction from the Select Committee for a Healthy City Framework Social Development Strategy 2018  

A. Themes That Emerged From Discussion (Using “Rapid Roundtable” approach)

Using the lenses and municipal roles, committee members were asked to identify ideas, actions, strategies related to addressing housing (affordability, suitability and availability) for those living in poverty. Administration would synthesize the information and prepare a summary of the discussion along with potential recommendations for review and endorsement at the next Committee meeting (February 11th, 2020). Common themes emerged from the discussion including:

1. Education and Advocacy with an emphasis on:

Proactive education and awareness related to new developments especially supportive housing projects

Select Committee on Poverty Reduction – January 14th, 2020  

2  

Provide information in advance so the general public understands the value of supportive housing in a neighborhood and can make informed choices.

Providing information as part of informing the public on new developments related to supportive housing can also contribute to the goal area of reducing stigma and discrimination associated with poverty

Is there opportunity for advocacy to other levels of government to make home ownership more affordable (i.e. for students)

Advocate for a change to the Province’s property tax exemption, for new purpose-built rental housing, so it does not require a municipality to issue a revitalization tax exemption certificate for the property under a revitalization program

Research into outdoor/winter shelter options to support that segment of the population that does not want to be housed.

2. Housing Need and Demand Study- updated information and data with an emphasis on:

Last Housing Study was completed in 2014. It would be valuable to have more accurate and up-to-date information related to housing need in the community.

Explore opportunity for funding from NDIT and UBCM to assist with costs associated with completing a housing needs and demand study.

It’s difficult to get an accurate picture of the true need. Housing Needs Study focus on market housing, we would need to ensure there is some data that speaks to the non-market need.

We would need to better define the scope of work around a housing study to ensure that it provides the data that is needed to inform decision making and policy

PGNFC maintains a Housing Availability database. Its e-mailed monthly with listings of housing available for rent by type, number of bedrooms etc.(10 years of information-good for identifying trends over time etc.)

CPAH Coordinator spoke to experience of preparing the non-market housing report. Highlighted using the PGNFC database for rental housing. Recommended that if a housing study is to be completed- it needs to include income of individuals and housing costs.

3. Opportunity for Incentives with an emphasis on:

If there is opportunity for a Revitalization Tax Exemption (RTE) program define the criteria to incentivize rental housing as a priority

Focus on the neighborhoods identified in the Prince George Poverty Profile Supported Housing should not be concentrated in one particular area(s) but

dispersed throughout neighborhoods in the City (specifically growth areas) A variety of types of housing should be considered Incentives for property owner - A program to assist with the on-going

maintenance costs associated with maintaining a rental property. This would

Select Committee on Poverty Reduction – January 14th, 2020  

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assist with keeping the housing affordable for the tenant (and in good repair) but also support the landlord in maintaining the on-going costs associated with a rental property.

Set criteria of any incentive program to focus on a target population in need of housing (i.e. seniors) or a specific population of focus such as young professionals (i.e. not staying because housing cost is not affordable) in a geographic location)

Can there be an incentive to assist tenants to remain in their current housing and support landlords with accountability for the property.

An incentive program to assist landlords with maintaining the standards of interior of the property to ensure a standard for health and safety (i.e. A suitable heat source, locking doors that function for safety and security, cleanliness etc.)

Current RTE program is focused on increasing the housing stock in general- can RTE programs be more specific in focus to incent housing for a particular group or a particular type (i.e. rental housing)

Tiny Homes: incentive opportunity? Zoning is not the restriction –its building code requirements.

B. Proposed Recommendations For Council Consideration Addressing Housing Issues Associated with Poverty

Theme

Recommendation/Action

Nature of Action

Act

Advo

cate

Faci

litat

e

Education and Advocacy

Ensure ongoing public education and communication regarding the benefits of supportive housing for clients and neighbourhoods, to help mitigate NIMBY opposition during land use public hearing processes.

X

Advocate for Provincial and Federal government programs that support affordable home ownership for first time buyers (particularly post-secondary graduates and young professionals).

X

Continue to advocate for Provincial and Federal Government support to facilitate the development of housing and services that contribute to poverty reduction.

X

Continue to request the inclusion of Prince George, a regional hub city, in the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) Annual Rental Market Survey. This would require CMHC to conduct an annual rental housing survey in Prince George.

X

Select Committee on Poverty Reduction – January 14th, 2020  

4  

Theme

Recommendation/Action

Nature of Action

Act

Advo

cate

Faci

litat

e

Housing Needs Report Complete a Housing Needs & Demand Study for Prince George in 2022 that includes recommendations for the full housing continuum including government-assisted housing (emergency shelter and housing for the homeless, transitional supportive & assisted living, independent social housing, and rent assistance in the private market) as well as private market rentals and home ownership. Note: The preparation of the report will coincide with the City’s OCP review and utilize 2021 census data.

X

Theme

Recommendation/Action

Nature of Action

Act

Advo

cate

Faci

litat

e

Incentives Develop RTE programs that incent the development of purpose built rental housing and/or the repair of existing affordable rental housing in neighbourhoods identified as being disproportionately impacted by factors contributing to poverty.

X

C. Next Steps – February 11th, 2020 Meeting

Seek endorsement for Housing proposed recommendations (add or revise as necessary)

Utilize a round table format, to identify themes of shared interest for the theme area of Accessible Services (as an example, childcare services)

Share CMHC Rental Market Report Ron Carter, Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction, will overview the

Province’s Integrated Service Delivery Model

Parking Lot and Questions:

Is the new Student Housing Development Market and non-Market? Answer: The new student housing development is market rental housing only.

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February 11, 2020 Meeting Focus: Access to Services and Supports (i.e. Childcare) Background The purpose of the Select Committee on Poverty Reduction is to make recommendations, for Council’s consideration, on the City’s role in implementing the Province’s TogetherBC Poverty Reduction Strategy. Using both the TogetherBC Poverty Reduction Strategy and the Poverty Profile- Prince George, committee members prioritized poverty “themes” for the focus of subsequent meetings (meeting of November 20th, 2019). The theme of the February 11 meeting is Access to Services and Supports (i.e. child care). City of Prince George’s myPG Social Development Goal: Equity and Inclusion People of all backgrounds, ethnicities and income levels can access services that help to meet their needs and improve their quality of life (Associated Policy: City of Prince George Equity and Inclusion Policy) Background on why Access to Services is important as part of Poverty Reduction Example: Access to Child Care Access to affordable child care services is important as part of poverty reduction because it allows parents and caregivers an opportunity to acquire, maintain or increase their employment – thus improving their family income. Offering high quality child care can also support children’s development and can improve educational outcomes. (Child Care Advocacy Association of Canada). Some of the barriers in child care services include:

limited availability of childcare spots (higher demand than supply: British Columbians have greater difficulty in finding childcare spots than the national average (A Profile of Poverty in Prince George))

convenience of childcare locations (close to home or place of employment) quality of child care flexible hours of operation affordability of childcare (lower child care costs allows for any or more available family income).

Relevant Information from the Poverty Profile (and from lens) includes:

19.3% of census families in Prince George are lone-parent families, greater than the provincial proportion of 15.1%.

77.2% of lone-parent families in Prince George are headed by a female family member 62.0% of lone-parent families in Prince George have one child, 27.1% have two, and 6.2% have three

or more. A greater proportion of lone-parent families is found in the area encapsulated by McIntyre Crescent

and the areas surrounding the intersection of 20th Avenue and Victoria Street (Figure 14). As of August 2019, 104 childcare providers in Prince George were approved to be part of the

Government of British Columbia’s Child Care Fee Reduction Initiative. 46.5% of British Columbians have difficulty finding childcare, which is greater than the national

average 66.4% of those with difficulties report a general lack of childcare in their community 59.3% of those with difficulties report a lack of affordability 26.2% of BC children who are not in childcare are not in childcare due to high costs, which is slightly

greater than the national average Canadian households with income less than $40,000 tend to use daycare centres for their young

children (0 to 5 years), possibly due to the availability of subsidies.

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Themes from Child Care Space Creation Action Plan (parent survey 804 respondents)

1. 85.4% of parents responding to the survey indicated the number one issue affecting them was the availability of child care spaces (no spaces available or long wait lists)

2. 44.78% of parents responding to the survey indicated they were unable to get full-time care from Monday to Friday

3. 60.57% of parents responding to the survey indicated they preferred formal group child care for their child(ren).

4. 40.99% of parents responding to the survey indicated that it was important that their child care provider have an Early Childhood Educator certificate.

5. 25.79% of parents responding to the survey indicated that they would prefer to have their child care located in the Hart

6. 66.97% of parents responding to the survey indicated that the cost for child care was too high.  

Relevant Information from Together BC: Identified as one of the 12 key priorities: Supports for Children and Families: Specifically, the lack and cost of child care has historically prevented many parents, particularly single mothers, from getting and keeping a full-time job. (From the 6 Priority Action Areas) 3. ChildCareBC: Making Child Care More Available and Affordable In Budget 2018, the B.C. government unveiled its new ChildCareBC plan, investing $1 billion over three years to bring down the costs of child care for more families and create new licensed child care spaces throughout the province. ChildCareBC is proving to be transformational for many families and is particularly critical in bringing down costs and creating opportunities for families living in poverty. It delivers in three crucial areas: The Affordable Child Care Benefit This new benefit is available to families of children in licensed child care facilities. Families making up to $45,000 a year can receive the full benefit for each child, up to the full cost of child care. The Affordable Child Care Benefit works in tandem with the Child Care Fee Reduction Initiative to make licensed child care more affordable for families of all incomes in B.C. The new benefit is already helping thousands of B.C. families. Some families are saving as much as $15,000 a year through this program. Child Care Fee Reduction The Child Care Fee Reduction Initiative was introduced by government in spring 2018. It lowers the cost of licensed child care for parents each month. Because these fee reductions are delivered through child care providers who opt in to the program, parents do not need to apply to receive funding. Between this initiative and the Affordable Child Care Benefit, some families can save more than $19,000 annually. Creating New Licensed Child Care Spaces Licensed child care is the gold standard of care for our kids. Unfortunately, for too long, investments in child care spaces didn’t keep up with demand. To give parents greater peace of mind while they pursue opportunity, and to help more families qualify for more child care savings through the Affordable Child Care Benefit and the Child Care Fee Reduction Initiative, government is building 22,000 new child care spaces in B.C. through space-creation initiatives like the Childcare BC New Spaces Fund. Overall Benefit: 80,000 families Impact on Poverty: Nearly 27,000 families with incomes under $45,000 will eventually pay little or nothing for child care, contributing to both the overall and child poverty reduction targets.

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Table 1. Environmental Scan of Existing City Initiatives - Improving Access to Services and Supports

Current City Initiatives that Contribute to Improving Access to Services

Nature of Action

Act

Advo

cate

Faci

litat

e

Successful application for funding from the Community Child Care Planning Program from UBCM (Union of BC Municipalities): this program provided funding to engage in child care planning activities in order to develop a community child care space creation action plan.

X

X

Raise Up Our Kids Initiative: a collective impact approach led by the City. Strategies include enhancing and improving access to services as part of the overall agenda that is focused on addressing and improving children’s health in the community.

X

X

Proposed Integrated Health and Housing Project incorporates onsite services and supports (Northern Health providing primary care, harm reduction and specialized mental health and substance use supports).

X

X

Personal Storage Program (Storage and Washrooms Pilot projects at Quebec Street and George Street locations). Pilot project with BC Housing, the City, PG Native Friendship Centre and AWAC operating the facilities.

X

X

The City works in partnership (through grants, service agreements, and third party service delivery) with organizations to deliver services, and implement initiatives that contribute to the development of safe environments.

X

X

The City supports Community Associations in the delivery of affordable, neighbourhood-based programs and celebrations. For example, Community Associations in partnership with Engage Sport North were providing “Try It” programming for a variety of age groups to introduce new physical activities.

X

X

City grant programs fund events and initiatives aligned with enabling access. X X The City of Prince George’s "Kids in PG Parks Passport Program" hosted free Park Play Days (hosted by Engage Sport North) for children ages 2-12 that introduced kids to games, group play, and physical activities.

X

X

Council approved a Free Transit Fare Policy in July 2017 that provides free rides on Prince George's transit system on the following special days or events such as Clean Air Day, Bike to Work and School Week and National Seniors’ Day.

X

The City promotes access to recreation opportunities through: the Leisure Access Program, Facilitation of PGKidsport; aquatic programming (free adaptive program, toonie swims on Pro-D Days, etc.) and; physical accessibility initiatives.

X

X

The Advisory Committee on Accessibility advises and assists Council, staff, and other committees with formulating and promoting strategies and actions to create and maintain a barrier-free community. The objective of the Committee is to remove physical and social barriers which impede the full participation of all citizens in every aspect of community life (Select Committee on a Healthy City Framework).

X

X

X

Access to Other Municipal Services

Transportation, Food Security, Education and Training to be discussed at upcoming meetings Continue to explore how a ‘bundling services’ program (like Calgary’s Fair Entry Program) could

combine City services in one application that offers multiple services (like Leisure Access and Transit) Continue to explore a “Navigation Hub”: Navigation Hub –connecting people to resources. Explore how

to work with community partners (i.e the PG Public Library) to pilot the concept of a “Navigation Hub”. A central location in the community that is accessible and inclusive where people know they can access the information they need (i.e. the 1- stop shop concept). Staff would be knowledgeable and equipped with community information to support individuals who come to the Information Desk/Navigation Hub for information on services in the community.

Consider how the City can support the growth, development and promotion of information portals like BC 211.

Recommendations For Committee discussion and deliberation.

Community Integration Services

MINISTRY OF SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT AND POVERTY REDUCTION

Community Integration Specialist Team

The Community Integration Specialist (CIS) team (formerly referred to as Outreach is focused on connectiong B.C.’s most vulnerable citizens with financial assistance and community supports

The ministry works in collaboration with other government and community agencies to create positive outcomes for affected clients and their communities. Services include:

Expedited Intakes

Shelter and Health Requests

Intensive Case Management

Referrals and inquiries from community partners and the coordination of esrvices. The ministry recognizes that traditional channels of accessing ministry services (via office or phone) don’t work for some of our clients, we need to go to where our clients are at.

This work is performed by CIS’s using one of the four service delivery models:

Community Hub

Direct Service

Specific Focus

Remote Hub

Community Hub Model

The client is in the centre, and community partners provide supports and resources (e.g. Access to physicians, mental health, Indigenous leaders and partners, housing, pharmacists, other community supports).

The client builds a relationship with a person or organization and then that person/organization represents the clients’ interest at the table.

In this model, clients tell their story once and the partners provide the supports and resources that are required.

Direct Services Model

Dedicated follow up over varying lengths of time, assisting with processes and connecting with other service providers.

In this model, the integration teams maintain a case-load for individuals requiring more 1:1 service.

The CIS teams work closely with clients in this model to support them as they work toward increased independence and enhanced health.

Specific Focus

Wrap-around services, but focuses on the clients priorities at that given time.

For example, this hub may consist of a group of housing partners who are able to identify available housing or housing supports to help a homeless client.

Remote Hub

The remote hub model is an evolving model.

It provides support and navigation for clients and or their advocates based on need.

Workers on the ground may also carry the responsibility for other remote communities and connect with partners/stakeholders in those remote areas to streamline services for mutual clients.

Flexibility to meet the client needs in smaller remote communities

How many positions are there for the North?

19 CIS positions will be assigned to the Interior/North: 1 for Nelson/Trail 1 for Williams Lake 4 for Kamloops 2 for Vernon/Salmon Arm 3 for Kelowna 1 for West Kelowna/Greater Westside 2 for Penticton/Oliver 1 for Terrace 4 for Prince George

Where and when to find CIS in Prince George?

Monday- PGRCC (9-12), Youth Around Prince/ Foundry (9-4), St. Vincent’s (9-11), Detox (1-3 pm)

Tuesday- Central Interior Native Health (9-12), Youth Around Prince/ Foundry (9-4),

Wednesday- Urban Aboriginal Justice Society- (am only), Youth Around Prince/ Foundry (9-4), Detox (9-11 am) Blue Pine Clinic (1-3 pm)

Thursday- Community Corrections (9-12 ), CMHA Clubhouse (11-12 am)

Friday- SDPR, and one off situations. Other sporadic places include: Adult Forensic Psychiatric Services,

Firepit, Primary Care

Who are Prince George’s CIS? Candace Landine

(top left) Lori Wedel (top right) Ellen Mitchell (bottom

left) Kristina Barnes

(bottom right)

Contacts: Manager of Service Delivery: Morten Bisgaard, [email protected] Telephone: 778-621-2098 or 604-374-0179

CIS Supervisors: Ron Carter [email protected] Telephone: 250 614-2856

CIS Assistant Supervisor: Jeremy Cummings, [email protected] Telephone: 250-864-7988

CIS Assistant- Supervisor: Laurel Wilms, [email protected]: 250-572-1353

CIS Contact Email: [email protected] Email is monitored daily by CIS workers throughout the Interior North

DATE: February 19, 2020 

TO: MAYOR AND COUNCIL NAME AND TITLE: Councillor Murry Krause, Chair of Select Committee on Poverty Reduction 

SUBJECT: Select Committee on Poverty Reduction Annual Report 2019

ATTACHMENT(S): 1. Terms of Reference – Select Committee on Poverty Reduction

PURPOSE: In October 2019, Council approved the formation of the Select Committee on Poverty Reduction. The committee, an advisory body to Mayor and Council, was convened to make recommendations regarding how the City of Prince George can support implementation of the Province’s poverty reduction strategy, TogetherBC. The Select Committee will deliver preliminary recommendations to Council by June 30, 2020. Final recommendations, following public consultation, will be provided for Council consideration by December 30, 2020. This report outlines the associated 2020 work plan.  

BACKGROUND: The Committee convened its first meeting in November of 2019. The orientation session included an overview of local government jurisdiction in relation to poverty reduction, an introduction to TogetherBC, presented by Ministry personnel, and a summary of A Profile of Poverty in the City of Prince George, prepared by UNBC researcher, Alex Fraess-Phillips. This introductory information informed development of a 2020 work plan.

At each meeting, the Committee focuses a specific topic. Administration prepares a briefing document summarizing key considerations in relation to the topic, and associated City of Prince George initiatives. Subject matter experts, when deemed appropriate, are also invited to present information that helps inform committee discussion. These inputs shape discussion and the formation of recommendations that relate to the topic.

The table below sets out the meeting schedule and topics.

RECOMMENDATIONS: That Council:

1.) RECEIVES FOR INFORMATION the report dated February 19, 2020 from the Chair of the Select Committee on Poverty Reduction titled “Select Committee on Poverty Reduction 2019 Annual Report.”; and

2.) APPROVES the Select Committee on Poverty Reduction 2020 Work Plan outlined in the report dated February 19, 2020 from the Chair of the Select Committee on Poverty Reduction

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Table1. Select Committee on Poverty Reduction 2020 Work plan:

2019-2020 Meeting Schedule and Poverty Focus Areas for Discussion/Recommendation Development December 10th, 2019 Stigma & Discrimination January 14th 2020 Housing (affordability, suitability) February 11th 2020 Access to Services & Supports (i.e. childcare) March 10th 2020 Education & Training/ Employment & Jobs April 14th 2020 Food Security May 12th 2020 Transportation June 9th 2020 Advocacy/Council Preparation June 29th 2020 Presentation of Preliminary Recommendations

to Council Administration is in the process of applying for a UBCM Poverty Reduction Planning and Action grant. If successful, the City will utilize this funding to plan and implement a comprehensive public consultation process to receive feedback regarding the Committee’s preliminary recommendations. Particular attention will be focused on acquiring feedback from individuals with lived experience. This input will inform amendments to the recommendations. A final set of recommendations will be presented to Council at its December 7, 2020 meeting. STRATEGIC PRIORITIES: The 2020 Corporate Work Plan identifies priorities that address Council focus areas. The provision of the Select Committee on Poverty Reduction’s recommendations to Council is one such priority. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION: The Select Committee on Poverty Reduction is utilizing a topic-based approach to develop recommendations regarding the City’s role in implementation of the Province’s TogetherBC strategy. Preliminary recommendations will be presented to Council by June 30, 2020. With anticipated funding from UBCM, a comprehensive public consultation period will follow. A final set of amended recommendations (reflecting input) will be presented to Council prior to December 30, 2020. RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED: Councillor Murry Krause, Chair, Select Committee on Poverty Reduction APPROVED: Kathleen Soltis, City Manager Meeting Date: [2020/03/09] 

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