Events from 1961

The Prince George Board of Trade became the Prince George Chamber of Commerce on February 1. The name change followed a trend that was happening in most communities around the province.

The original Mr. P. G. statue was made of wood and, at 40’ tall, was small enough to be towed into banquet halls or to be pulled as a float in parades. In between "appearances" it was kept on display at the Simon Fraser Hotel. Ownership of the statue was determined when the City announced it would donate Mr. P. G. to the Chamber of Commerce.

Numerous construction projects were underway in August. One was the building of a new horse shed at the exhibition grounds. Horse races were a highlight of the annual fall fair. Work began on the construction of a two-storey classroom block as an addition to Prince George Senior High School. The city’s population had passed 13,000 and the school anticipated increased student numbers.

A contract was awarded in December to build a 1,500 foot bridge over the Fraser River. The bridge was vital for opening up the large industrial subdivision on the east bank. The Board of Trade had expended extraordinary efforts in lobbying Premier W. A. C. Bennett to approve the required provincial contribution.

As an indication of the increased business activity and population growth, the Prince George Post Office reported handling the highest volume of mail ever during 1961. Another sign was the growing demand for power. That year, Prince George was the fastest-growing centre in the province, as indicated by power consumption. By December 31, the city recorded its largest number of building permits issued for single dwellings.