City of Prince Rupert seeks Bids for Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces plan

More park space could be in the future for Prince Rupert as City staff
put out a call for a report on future park development in the city

With the prospect of some accelerated growth on the minds of City Council and staff these days, the City is looking to develop a Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces plan to address the need for more green space for what they see ahead as a growing community.

Towards that project, the City has recently re-posted a Call for proposals to develop such a plan to accurately gauge and respond to the local demand and need for parkland and recreation facilities in Prince Rupert as it grows and to explore establishing a 'flagship' park. 

The previous call for bids was issued in March, the new version provides for some amendments to the original document.

From the Bid package from the BC Bid website the city outlines some of their objectives for the initiative

Promote access to nature and viewpoints for people of all abilities (including those in wheelchairs, strollers and walkers)

Plan parks and open spaces to serve a variety of users and increase interconnections between different areas of the community

Recognize and celebrate local First Nations' territories and Peoples

Ensure an active or passive park is located within a ten-minute walk of all residences

Support climate change mitigation and biodiversity through providing park infrastructure with a smaller ecological footprint and maintaining "free" ecological services such as carbon sequestration and wetland filtration

Establish a "flagship park" in Prince Rupert

Prince Rupert's recreational facilities are well maintained and attractive

Coordinate parks and recreation planning with the City's Active Transportation Plan currently being developed.

On the theme of potential new park development, the prospectus for those interested in providing a submission for the work includes a review of some of the areas of note the city has its eye on for park development.

A new major waterfront park in the Marina District which may include open space play areas, an event area and stage, gardens and plazas, a seawall, beach area for water access, aquarium, First Nations long, house and food/café uses. 

A new public wharf in the Lower Town area of Downtown. This may include cafes and restaurants, marine berthing facilities, a grand stair, and funicular connection to Upper Town, and visitor information services.

A new Harbour Landing Park with green space, water access, ferry landing and restaurant/public house services. 

 A new Midtown Park serving the midtown residents. 

More trail development will also be the focus for the
report to be completed and presented to Council by June 2023

As well, the City puts some focus on the development of trail planning in the community. 

Encourage the dedication and construction of a trail system that achieves a continuous loop around Kaien Island. 

Consider opening and developing historic subdivided and dedicated unconstructed road-ends to the sea as public trails. 

Implement a process for reviewing and approval of all trail works by the City.

The process of review towards planning of future parks and green spaces will take the City through a number of phases towards June of 2023 when the final document is to be presented to City Council

The start to the initiative will come once the call for submissions is complete on May 13th.

Those with an interest in submitting a proposal for the Bid have until 2PM on May 13th to submit their proposal, City Planner Myfawnny Pope is overseeing the Bid process for City Hall.

Learn more about the initiative and review the documentation from the BC Bid website.

More notes on past City of Prince Rupert Calls for Bids can be reviewed here.

A wider overview of past Council Discussion themes is available here.