As crime and theft rates continue to rise in downtown Prince George, business owners are “calling for a local state of emergency to be declared” says Andrew Kurjata, producer and reporter for CBC news.

 Prince George, B.C., Business Owners Want State of Emergency Declared Due to Downtown Arsons

In September 2025 alone, the Prince George community lost two long-standing local businesses to structural fires that are currently still under investigation, which seemed to be the final straw for many business owners and patrons of the area. 

A survey that circulated in September and October of last year by Downtown Prince George and the Prince George Chamber of Commerce showed an estimate of $4.5 million dollars in losses due to crime, with main concerns being things like:

• Frequent break ins/theft.
• Property damage including graffiti and arson.
• Staff feeling unsafe due to threats, open drug use, and verbal abuse.
• Declining foot traffic.

The Crossroads Brewing fire that occurred early on the morning of September 5^th, 2025, which displaced over 50 employees, was the city’s highest single reported loss of $2.5 million dollars: over half of the downtown area’s overall reported business losses. 

“Absolutely done.” John Zukowski, owner of Pacific Body Jewellery to Kristen Robinson of Global news

 Fires, Street Disorder Push Downtown Business Owners to Breaking Point

These businesses have been the cornerstone of our community for a long time. Like my family’s own business, MediChair BC, which opened its doors in 1966, and has since felt the weight of the crisis the area is in.  

However, it’s not only the business owners and employees suffering the consequences of recent criminal activity, but a lot of the city’s population. 

With much of Prince George’s nightlife being within the downtown circle, many of the city’s younger population has found it difficult to enjoy what there is to offer due to feeling unsafe. 

Even with high security guard and police presence, visitors of these businesses must be on the watch for unsafe situations, drug waste materials, and theft. 

The feeling of unsafety that recent events has caused the people of our city to experience, limits what it has to offer overall. 

The downtown area has so much potential for life, and for beauty, but the repetitive crime and harmful litter makes it nearly impossible to enjoy at all, let alone to it’s fullest potential. It is home to so many hidden gems that unfortunately do not get the recognition they deserves due to their location, and that is heartbreaking for everyone involved. 

However, no one knows what the proper solutions to the problems are. The city continues to build housing units to move people off the streets and away from crime, but these too have fallen victim to the ongoing arson problem. 

On October 29^th, 2025, a B.C. Housing building experienced a 3^rd floor fire, displacing 13 residents and causing approximately $50,000 in damages says Andrew Kurjata of CBC News. 

Fire at Supportive Housing Building Displaces 13 Residents in Prince George, B.C.

Whether the solution be a different housing unit system, more rehabilitation and detox centers, or more severe sentences for multi-offenders, residents and business owners of the City of Prince George are tired and begging for a solution.