PRINCE GEORGE – The City of Prince George was recognized for outstanding community leadership with two awards presented at the North Central Local Government Association (NCLGA) Annual General Meeting and convention held last week in Prince Rupert.
The City received the Environmental Stewardship Award, recognizing its proactive approach to environmental protection and sustainability. Through the use of Novion’s Natural Asset Management Platform, which leverages satellite imaging, multi-spectral data, and artificial intelligence, the City is now able to identify and assess the condition of key natural assets—including wetlands, forests, grasslands, and green infrastructure—within municipal boundaries. This information will guide municipal planning and support the long-term goal of preserving natural areas and promoting climate resilience through nature-based solutions.
In partnership with the City of Prince Rupert, Prince George was also co-recipient of the Economic Development Award for their collaborative efforts in launching and advancing the Northern BC Hydrogen Hub initiative, which was designed to stimulate economic diversification and promote decarbonization in industrial sectors from production to end use.
Production projects are being led by companies such as Fortescue, Mitsubishi Power, Hydra Energy and Teralta. Key enabling partners include CO₂Lock CCS and the Port of Prince Rupert, which help facilitate infrastructure and carbon capture solutions. On the user side, the hub engages with sectors such as heavy transportation, forest products, and fleet operations, all of which are actively exploring or implementing hydrogen technologies to support decarbonization and long-term sustainability.
Since its inception, the Hydrogen Hub has attracted both confirmed and proposed investments totalling more than $1 billion in capital expenditures.
Deanna Wasnik, Director of Planning and Development for the City, praised the efforts of the City’s Asset Management and Economic Development teams.
“I am incredibly proud of the teams for earning these awards. Our commitment and work in the areas of asset management and economic development are world class. We often talk about our unique infrastructure story in Prince George – our expansive geography presents both challenges and opportunities. From an asset management perspective, this means we have more natural areas to manage and preserve. It’s a monumental task, and these teams are meeting the challenge with excellence,” stated Wasnik.
Additionally, during the AGM, it was announced that Prince George will host the 2026 NCLGA Annual General Meeting, alongside project partners Lheidli T’enneh, the Regional District of Fraser-Fort George, and Tourism Prince George.
The North Central Local Government Association (NCLGA) serves as the regional advocacy body for local governments in North Central British Columbia. Representing more than 240 elected officials across over 42 local and First Nations governments, the organization’s territory stretches from 100 Mile House to the Yukon border and from Haida Gwaii to the Alberta border.
Source: PrinceGeorge.ca & Northern BC Hydrogen Hub
