Heritage Commission seeking public input

The Heritage Commission has a weighty title, and their work is indeed important for the culture of the region, but it is a panel of regular Prince George people who want to highlight the key places in the history of our city.

Those people will meet the public and have an informal discussion about what they do each year to preserve the best of our past years.

The event will take place at the Prince George Public Library on Thursday at 7 p.m.

“Find out how to nominate a property for the Heritage Register and learn about historical buildings in our city,” said PGPL spokesperson Amy Dhanjal, who noted that this free public meet-andgreet was part of a menu of events at the library as they celebrate History Month each February.

“We always appreciate an opportunity to talk about local history and promote our local history collection,” Dhanjal said.

“So every year we do partner with the Heritage Commission on a number of programs, and this time we are introducing those people to the public. To my knowledge we’ve never done this before.”

There will be a number of short presentations about the city’s history, the efforts to preserve unique physical features around the city, and some introductions to the people who lead these ongoing efforts.

The headliner for the evening is a longtime local history activist beloved for his professional eye for buildings and many books that document the legacy of our region.

“Architect and local historian Trelle Morrow will be on hand to discuss nine Heritage Register entries done in the last three years,” Dhanjal said.

“He will also discuss numerous sites that may have the potential for the Register.”

The Heritage Commission is made up of a committee of nine people.

They are an official branch of the City of Prince George.

Those interested in being on this committee are asked to apply by the deadline of Feb. 12 at 5 p.m. City council appoints the commission based on the applications.

“The Prince George Heritage Commission advises in matters regarding the protection, conservation, and interpretation of heritage resources within the community by supporting, encouraging, and helping with their proper conservation, maintenance, and restoration,” the City explained.

For information on how to apply, go to the Heritage Commission page on the City of Prince George website.

The PGPL will also host the annual Jeanne Clarke History Awards on Feb. 24.

The annual Heritage Expo, in partnership with UNBC, will be held at the PGPL on Mar. 2.

Displays (one of them opening today) showcasing Black History Month features are also located in areas of the library as of now.

The future of local history also gets a bright spotlight in the Keith Gordon Room of the PGPL as the annual Teen Art Showcase is now open for viewing, in partnership with the Community Arts Council.