Prince George Horse Society Presentation to City of Prince George Mayor and Council March 18, 2013

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Dinah Stephens
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1 Prince George Horse Society Presentation to City of Prince George Mayor and Council March 18, 2013

3 Outline Overview Site Plan Update Implementation First Project Request for Motion of Support

4 PGHS Mission Statement To provide community leadership, programs, and services for individuals, groups, and associations involved in equestrian sport. To encourage the growth, development and promotion of all aspects of the horse industry relating to leisure, education and competition in Prince George and area.

5 Member Organizations 4-H Senior Council (four clubs in PG area) Exhibition Park Boarders Association North Central BC CADORA Club (Dressage) Northern BC Exhibition (former PGX) Prince George Rodeo Association Prince George Reining Horse Association Prince George Therapeutic Riding Association Spruce Ridge Pony Club Timberline Riders Gymkhana Club Top Dog Agility & Fly-ball Association

6 Overview 1964 City purchased property for Exhibition Grounds (horse stabling and PGX) 1996 PG Horse Society established 1999 City and PGHS signed first lease agreement Under PGHS, operation became financially viable; formerly an expense for the City City remains the owner; PGHS manages the facility Lease recently renewed to 2015 Ongoing excellent working relationship with City staff

7 Overview 1999 to site improvements and equipment of approx $340,000, of which City has contributed about 25% Examples: Millenium barn with 40 stalls 60 paddocks, manure pit with concrete pad, hot water shed, water line, bobcat, tractor Annual oper budget approx $180,000 Assets approx $250,000 Greatly appreciate the energy efficient lighting and washroom renovations (accessibility)

8 Present Use One of best public facilities in BC for equestrian and agricultural activities 500,000 hours of use year-round Open 18 hours every day Boarding on avg. 55 horses x 24 hrs/day x 365 days/yr 50 cattle on site from November to April Plus shows, clinics, user groups, schooling horse program for youth Connected to the new trails up to Cranbrook Hill An outstanding recreation facility but cannot meet the growing demand

9 Economic Activity Horse Council BC - BC Horse Industry Report (2009): o 22,000 households own 95,000 horses with capital value of $500M o 13,700 horse farms using 145,000 ac of farmland o $2.0B in buildings and equipment o Support $740 M in economic activity o 7,200 FTE jobs o $73M in direct government tax revenue o The largest components by # of horses and economic impact are recreation (45% and 42%) and sport (24% and 25%). PGHS Business Feasibility Study (PERC) long term potential: Projected1000 to 1500 additional visitor days at $200 each for a total impact in the range of $200,000 to $300,000 per year.

10 Future Vision: To create a facility known throughout Western Canada for equine and agriculture activities, that would include daily recreational use, training clinics, competitions and education opportunities For enthusiasts, competitors, the general public and tourists

11 Progress Toward the Vision December 2005 City Council received the Exhibition Park Master Plan Expansion area identified for equine and agriculture activities PGHS began pursuing its portion of the Master Plan PGHS received funding from the City, NDIT, and Enterprising Non-Profits for two studies: Site Design Catherine Berris Associates Business Feasibility Professional Environmental Recreation Consultants (PERC)

12 Site Design

13 Implementation - First Project Replace old hay storage units ($255.0) 72 new units - two sets of 36 units On either end of the paddocks Redevelop warm-up ring ($18.0) Enabled by removing one set of old hay storage units Provide larger safer area for recreational riding, lessons. training, and events Hay Storage Units Features: Green Living Roof Constructed almost totally with wood Wood exterior finish Wheelchair accessible units (one per set of 36)

14 Proposed Hay Storage Units

15 Implementation Progress to Date Confirmed in-kind donations: Building design Engineering - roof and foundation Construction labour CNC Carpentry Program Electrical work estimate Corporate sponsorship package building materials PGHS has allocated $10,000 toward project Funding Applications Community Infrastructure Improvement Funding (federal) Northern Development Initiatives Trust

16 Conclusion The PGHS is working hard to implement the site design and expand the facilities, in partnership with the City and the community. Resolution Requested: THAT the City of Prince George support the Prince George Horse Society s application to Northern Development s Community Halls and Recreation Facilities program for a grant of up to $30,000 towards the Redevelopment of Hay Storage Units and Warmup Ring project from the Prince George Regional Development Account. Thank you for the opportunity to speak with you. We welcome any questions.

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS The following requirements must be met between June 1 and May 31 of each application year: Log at least 100 hours of equestrian activity Include riding, lessons, lunging, driving,