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Town of Princeton
2015 ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL REPORT
Contents
MAYOR’SMESSAGE.......................................................................................................................................................4
TOWNCOUNCIL2014‐2018.....................................................................................................................................5
MEASURINGOURPROGRESS...................................................................................................................................6
HIGHLIGHTSOF2015..................................................................................................................................................8
AYearinthelifeoftheTownofPrinceton.........................................................................................................8
2016COUNCILPRIORITIES....................................................................................................................................14
MUNICIPALGRANTSINAID..................................................................................................................................19
TREASURERSREPORT.............................................................................................................................................20
PROPERTYTAXATIONPOLICY.............................................................................................................................21
DECLARATIONSOFDISQUALIFICATION.........................................................................................................22
PERMISSIVETAXEXEMPTIONS...........................................................................................................................23
PRINCETONFACTS....................................................................................................................................................26
2014AUDITEDFINANCIALSTATEMENTS......................................................................................................27
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MAYOR’SMESSAGE
It is with respect and honour that I report to the residents of Princeton on the activities of the
Town of Princeton for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015 and the Town's current year
projects, goals and objectives.
Health care and the commitment to building a health community remained Council’s number
one priority for 2015. Council is actively involved in the recruitment of medical professionals and
participating in the activities of the Health Care Steering Committee.
A highlight of 2015 was the completion of the boundary extension which saw Copper Mountain
Mine properties included in the Town boundary. This continued partnership between the Mine
and the Town will provide additional funds to enhance the Town’s financial ability to provide an
outstanding lifestyle and maintain the necessary services at sustainable levels for all of the
citizens of Princeton.
The relocation of the Visitor Information Centre to the center of town has was an enormous
success attracting over 17,000 visitors to the Centre and on to downtown.
Councils 2016 priorities continue to demonstrate Councils commitment to building a healthy
community as we focus on a Health and Wellness Centre plan, developing the new Bridgeview
Park, Centennial Pool Park and overall downtown beautification.
On behalf of Council I thank our staff for their dedication and hard work throughout the year.
Mayor Frank Armitage
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TOWNCOUNCIL2014‐2018
Mayor Frank Armitage
Councillor Rosemary Doughty
Councillor Kim Maynard
Councillor Doug Pateman
Councillor Jerome Tjerkstra
Council conducts its Regular Meetings on the first and third Monday of every month
at 7:30 p.m. in the Public Meeting Room at 107 Vermilion Ave.
For more information, contact the Town at:
Town of Princeton
151 Vermilion Ave PO Box 670
Princeton BC V0X 1W0
Phone (250)295‐3135
Fax (250)295‐3477
Email [email protected]�
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MEASURINGOURPROGRESS
Each year the Town reports on its financial statements and progress towards achieving the objectives established in its strategic plan. The Annual Report demonstrates to the public the activities of the past year, and provides an opportunity to reflect on past performance and prepare for future achievement. The Annual Report highlights municipal results and value for service, as well as an overview of municipal operations and services
Council Priorities for 2015
Healthcare – Dr. Recruitment
Support for Health Care in the community remains a top priority. Council participates in the activities of the Health Care Steering Committee and the Mayor has been actively involved in the recruitment of our doctors. Funds are included in the budget to support the committee and recruiting activities. Ongoing
Visitor Centre Relocation By locating the Visitor Information Centre in the downtown of Princeton, Council is creating an opportunity to showcase the attractions and services offered by our local business. The Visitor Centre will feature things to do, places to go, food to eat and places to stay. There will be an emphasis on experiencing the local flavour of our community and leaving with the desire to return again. Complete
Business Park/Economic Development Attraction of new businesses to Princeton is important to the economic health and growth of our Town. Council has budgeted for the preparation of a community profile that will highlight our assets and feature land development opportunities. The profile will be available to view on the Town’s website and be distributed to prospective trade and development organizations. Ongoing
Satellite Boundary Extension The Town continues to work with the Province to complete the Boundary Extension. Final
approval is expected in 2015 for inclusion of Copper Mountain Mine on the Princeton 2016 tax
role. Complete
Urban Deer Management Program The Urban Deer Committee is working with UBCM and the Province on solutions to address wildlife conflicts. The Town has applied to Wildsafe BC for funding to hire a Community Wildsafe Management Coordinator to educate and develop a program to help reduce wildlife conflicts. Ongoing
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Infrastructure Upgrades
Water system upgrades will include the replacement of the water main located on the second bench at Billiter and Hillside Avenues. The chlorination system at the Memorial Park Well site will be converted from gas chlorine to liquid to improve the safety of the workers and park users. New blowers will be installed at the sewer lagoons as the final phase of the sewer treatment system upgrading that was commenced in 2013. Complete
Roads: The road improvement program will continue in 2015. The roads are selected based on the Roadworks Capital Plan that was completed by TRUE in 2011. Complete
Town Website
Our Town website upgrade is scheduled to be completed by the fall of 2015. The identified areas for improvement are the content, format, marketing and communications. Our objective is to create a dynamic user friendly experience for all visitors to our website. In process
Town of Princeton Cemetery Upgrades – Two (2) Year Program
2015 will see the construction of a reflecting area that will provide a view of the entire cemetery area. The Reflection Area will include a gazebo with seating for inclement weather conditions and surrounded by a landscaped area. In 2016 we will add an area for the spreading of ashes, often referred to as a garden of remembrance. This area will provide a place to spread the ashes of a loved one as well as an area for the installation of a memorial plaque. Deferred to 2016
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HIGHLIGHTSOF2015
AYearinthelifeoftheTownofPrinceton
From the provision of clean water, garbage collection and
emergency services to parks and recreation programs, community
planning and land use development, first rate Town services are
the foundation for building a safe, healthy and sustainable
community. The role of each of our departments is critical to the
quality of life of an individual and a business’ ability to provide
goods and services. We invite you to review the highlights of 2015,
and experience a year in the life of the Town of Princeton…
TOWN HALL
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Public Works
The Public Works department is responsible for managing more than $19 million in built assets
and infrastructure. This essential infrastructure delivers key services to the public, including
water distribution, wastewater collection, transportation systems, parks, cemetery and public
amenities.
Maintained 32 km of water lines.
Removed snow from more than 22 km of roads and lanes.
Mowed 13 parks 23 times.
Responded to 225 BC One Call water and sewer line locates
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Finance and Administration
The Finance Department is responsible for safeguarding the Town’s financial assets and
planning to ensure the financial stability and viability of the Town. The department provides
financial reporting and control and is responsible for the implementation of financial
management policies. The department also provides financial information and advice to
Council, Town departments and the general public, and is responsible for the Town’s
information technology systems.
Mailed 4,938 letters, utility invoices and tax notices
Processed and paid 2,181 invoices
2, 314 Property tax payers
Processed 883 Homeowner grants
Issued 248 Business Licences
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Bylaw Enforcement
Bylaw enforcement services, including animal control, provide community patrols and response
to bylaw complaints to ensure compliance with expected community standards.
Issued 24 warning tickets
Processed 375 pet licences
Responded to 99 citizen requests
Gave more than 450 milkbone treats to the dogs of Princeton
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Recreation and Culture
Working with, and for, our residents, the Town focuses on initiatives that build strong families
and create a safe and vibrant community for all. The Recreation and Cultural Service
Department provides diverse opportunities for recreation and sports, and creating enjoyable
outdoor spaces, parks, and natural areas.
Turned 37,854 litres of water to ice at the Princeton Arena
Promoted more than 150 Community Programs in the Princeton Leisure Guide
Directed 17,864 visitors to local attractions from the Visitor Centre
More than 350 local children particpated in swimming lessons at Centennail Pool.
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Fire Department
The Princeton Volunteer Fire Department (PVFD) has a proud history of providing exceptional fire rescue
services to the citizens of Princeton in an efficient and cost effective manner. The department’s goal is
to ensure our citizens are safe, educated on fire safety and provided a highly‐skilled fire service that is
ready to respond when required.
Responded to 5 structure fires
Visited 222 local businesses to perform Fire Safety Inspections
Responded to 19 motor vehicle incidents
Attended at 2 grass fires and 2 forest fires
Responded to 86 other minor fires
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2016COUNCILPRIORITIES
Mayor and Council as part of the budgeting and annual reporting requirements have completed their annual review and discussions on priorities for 2016. The annual process provides direction for council and staff on the issues and projects for initiation, implementation and/or completion in the current year. Progress is tracked and a progress report will be released by Council at the end of the year. Priorities selected for 2016 are as follows:
DOWNTOWN BEAUTIFICATION
Council has committed to beautify Downtown of Princeton in the coming year with the replanting of trees on Bridge Street that were removed due to winter damage. The street lights will be painted black to co‐ordinate with the lights that were installed in Veterans Square. The sidewalk benches will be refinished to improve aesthetics and safety. Sidewalk repairs will be made where necessary.
In addition, Council wishes to encourage everyone in Town to clean up. The Town will be identifying areas and taking steps to initiate cleanup efforts.
WEBSITE UPGRADE
In 2015 Council approved the upgrade of the Town website. The design of the site is complete and has been integrated into the developer’s content management system, all that remains is to add content and test the product. We are in the process of determining where existing content is adequate and to develop new content where updated information is needed. Where existing content is adequate it will simply be uploaded to the new site, new content will be provided to the developer as it is created. Once content is uploaded staff will be trained to maintain the site, develop online forms, and manage the on‐line database. Council is expecting the site to be available for public use by the end of March.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Attraction of new businesses and the retention of the existing businesses is important to the economic health and growth of our community. To this end, Council has budgeted for the preparation of a community profile that will provide a framework for action in addressing the key challenges and opportunities for Economic Development in the Town of Princeton.
The Economic Development Profile will capitalize on current and future economic opportunities. The final outcome will be a clear strategy that provides realistic, objective, and focused direction. An Economic Development Specialist with Urban Systems has been engaged to lead the project and the work program has been designed to involve the local business community and the general public in the development of the Economic Development Profile. The profile is expected to be completed by this spring.
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OFFICIAL COMMUNITY PLAN AND ZONING BYLAW REVIEW
Last reviewed comprehensively in 2008, Princeton’s Official Community Plan Bylaw will be updated into a user friendly Bylaw that incorporates best practices; addresses known issues; and reflects the Town’s vision, which seeks to promote healthy and active living for all ages. The Zoning By‐law will concurrently be reviewed and updated respective of the changes made to the Official Community Plan.
The Official Community Plan is a long range guide for the municipality that helps Council make decisions on matters such as land use and growth, transportation, economic development and housing and will provide:
A clear vision for Princeton’s future growth with supporting goals, objectives and policies;
A direction aligned with current community values and development patterns; and
The anticipation of infrastructure capacity and future needs.
The plan will also recognize existing conditions and trends, notably the importance of the natural environment and community growth management, and the preservation and enhancement of Princeton’s social character and sense of place.
Council has identified the review of the Official Community Plan Bylaw as a priority for 2016. Funding has been included in the 2016 budget process to complete this review and Urban Systems Ltd. has been hired to lead this planning project. It is anticipated that the new bylaws will be introduced by the end of 2016.
HEALTH, WELLNESS AND AQUATIC CENTRE
Council is committed to improving our community’s health and wellness and will continue to seek opportunities for positive and healthy choices. Through a number of surveys and information gathered through the Recreation Strategic Plan process, Council is confident in the community’s desire to pursue a Health, Wellness and Aquatic Centre.
Council’s priority for 2016 will be to prepare preliminary concepts and plans, identify funding sources, secure a location, develop a budget, and to work on operational strategies. Council has directed staff to engage the public for consultation when the time is deemed to be appropriate or as needed.
It is Council’s desire to be ready when capital funding programs are announced.
Council is confident that when the time comes to develop a Health, Wellness and Aquatic Centre that this type of facility will not only address some of our Social and Health concerns but will also be a regionally significant project that will enhance our community and make us more desirable for attraction and relocation.
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HEALTHCARE
Support for Health Care in the community remains a top priority. Council participates in the activities of the Health Care Steering Committee and has been actively involved in the recruitment of our newest doctor. Funds are included in the budget to support the committee and the recruiting activities.
ARENA UPDATE
Council has committed to Arena improvements that include painting the exterior and upgrading exterior lighting.
The arena was constructed in 1974 and for the most part is in good condition for its age. We recognized the value of the arena has for our community and we want to take pride in our civic buildings. The exterior of the building is constructed of metal cladding which was color coated from the factory. The exterior will be refreshed with more modern colors in keeping with the Town’s corporate image.
Council has also identified that the parking lot is a bit dark in the winter months. With new technologies in LED lighting, we are able to increase the lighting levels and reduce our power consumption. The Town completed a lighting upgrade in 2015 at the Riverside Community Centre and Council is very happy with the results. The arena will take on a very similar look and help to improve the safety of our citizens.
BRIDGEVIEW PARK
The Recreation Strategic Plan has identified the importance of trails and pathways within our community. Council also has placed an importance on improving our community’s health by promoting positive choices. Walking is an excellent choice to improve one’s health.
One of our busiest pathways is one that connects the residents living in the Allison Flats neighborhood to the downtown core by way of the wooden bridge. This pathway crossed private property and was in jeopardy of being developed by a private landowner, cutting off public access. In 2015, Council identified this as a concern. Earlier in 2015, Council had the opportunity to purchase this area of private property, thus securing the pathway for all to use in perpetuity.
Council has identified the development and enhancement of this pathway as a 2016 priority.
Improvements for 2016 include paving the path, general site cleanup, planting shade trees and other landscape work, and the installation of benches and tables. This work is scheduled for the summer of 2016 and will be completed by Public Works staff.
This will not only enhance the pathway, but also create a nice destination park and green space that will improve the look and feel of our downtown core.
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CEMETERY ENHANCEMENT PROJECT
Council approved the cemetery improvements in 2015, however, a number of maintenance initiatives were required to enable the Cemetery Enhancement Project to go ahead. The area is now ready for installation and completion of the enhancements in 2016. Improvements will include the construction of a “Reflecting Area” that provides a view over the entire cemetery. It will include the construction of a gazebo with seating for inclement weather conditions and a landscaped area surrounding it.
There will also be an area referred to as “Gardens of Remembrance” to create a place to spread the ashes of a loved one and to install a memorial plaque. It also provides an alternative to the burying ashes in grave plots.
CENTENNIAL POOL PARK
As identified in our recent Recreation Strategic plan; parks and green spaces are very important to our community. Over the past few years, council has been strategically improving and upgrading some of our community parks. The centennial pool park playground is on the 2016 Council Priority list for an upgrade.
The Centennial Pool Park area has been used as a day use picnic area and a staging area for pool users. The park includes a beach volleyball pit, older playground equipment, picnic tables, some new shade trees and river access.
Improvements considered for this year’s park upgrade include, new Age‐appropriate playground equipment, a water spray feature, additional picnic tables and a refresh of the beach volleyball pit. These improvements will continue to make this a desirable destination park.
BRIDGE STREET AND HWY #3 COMMUNITY SIGNAGE
Since 2015, Council has been committed to attracting visitors and customers to shop “Downtown” and to take in the many events that Princeton has to offer. The first step was to relocate the Visitor Information Centre to 169 Bridge Street which has succeeded in attracting many more visitors to our downtown, who get out of their vehicles and sample the variety of products and experiences the business community has to offer.
A second initiative, suggested by our business community at meetings in 2014 was to install a second electronic message board on Highway 3 to advertise community events and attractions happening in Princeton. Council has identified a site located in front of the Weyerhaeuser Roundhouse for the installation. Staff will be preparing the site and working with a corporate partner to design and construct the new sign and message board in the coming weeks.
By summer of 2016 Council expects messages to be encouraging more and more people to Discover Downtown Princeton and the many Community Events and Experiences we have to offer.
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TOWN HALL RENOVATIONS (ELEVATOR, COUNCIL CHAMBERS)
The main floor and the exterior of the Princeton Courthouse was completely renovated in 2013. The facility built in 1929/30 is one of our most important historical assets. Adaptive reuse of the building as the Town Hall has enabled Council to preserve this architectural jewel for the community for generations to come.
The Town Hall/Courthouse building has two floors. The main floor is open daily to access Municipal Services and the second floor is used for Court Services once per month. It has been a goal to use the Court Room upstairs as a Council Chamber as well. The impediment was our ability to provide handicapped accessibility to the second floor.
Council has secured funding, by way of a Provincial grant, to install an elevator, which will enable access by all of our public to the second floor. Courtroom/Council Chamber renovations and the elevator installation is expected to be complete by June of 2016. Council is looking forward to holding its first Council meeting at Town Hall in July.
MUSEUM ELEVATOR INSTALLATION
The museum was totally renovated in 2011. The facility as we see it today is truly something to be proud of. It is a jewel that acknowledges and proudly displays our cultural heritage. It has become one of our major tourist destinations.
The museum building has two floors. The main floor is open to the general public for displays and the basement houses the archives, storage and workshop. One of the challenges has been the ability to cycle larger display items from the storage area in the basement to the main floor display area by way of stairs.
Council has secured funding, by way of a Provincial grant, to install a freight elevator, which will enable museum staff to move items up and down safely and on a more regular basis. The elevator should be installed in time for the start of our busy tourist season.
Council looks forward to updating the public on their priorities and will be doing so as new information is available. Council looks forward to another productive year.
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MUNICIPALGRANTSINAID
In 2015 Council awarded $59,828 to local groups, clubs and organizations.
PURPOSE To support non‐profit organizations and agencies that provide programs and services that serves, benefits and/or adds value to our community.
POLICY 1. That Council allocates annually a finite sum of money through the Town of Princeton budget
for Grants in Aid, up to a maximum of $10,000 per individual application request.
2. Applications for Grants in Aid are to be received no later than January 31st of each year in which the grant will be used.
3. That applicants will attach a complete description of their organization/agency and further information including:
a) Program/service goals and objectives. b) Profile of users/clients/participants. c) Budget details of how Grant in Aid funds will be allocated. d) Intended community benefit/value and outcomes. e) Details of other/additional sources of revenue received, including donations, fund‐
raising activity and/or grants from other government sources f) Funding history related to Grant in Aid funds previously received from the Town of
Princeton. g) Copy of Financial Statements 4. Council, as part of the annual Town of Princeton budget process, will review and assess
Grant in Aid requests by April 1st of each year
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TREASURERSREPORTFor the year ended December 31, 2015
2015 Municipal Tax Rates
Assessed Tax
Value % of total tax
value Tax Rate per
$1,000 $ Tax share
% Tax share
Residential 259,962,101 81.36% 3.114794 809,728 47.52%
Utilities 954,121 0.30% 38.151911 36,402 2.14%
Major Industry 8,637,000 2.70% 45.584255 393,711 23.11%
Light Industry 3,419,800 1.07% 17.902551 61,223 3.59%
Business & Other 45,879,800 14.36% 8.707545 399,500 23.45%
Recreation/N.P. 655,000 0.20% 5.021912 3,289 0.19%
Farm 5,535 0.002% 3.613237 20 0.001%
2015 taxes for Typical Residential Property
2015 Residential Assessment 179,852 %
Residential Rate 3.114794
$560.20 43.7%
School Rate 2.774000
498.91 38.9%
Police Rate 0.347500
62.50 4.9%
Hospital Rate 0.316303
56.89 4.4%
Regional District Basic 0.147495
26.53 2.1%
Recreation 0.190132
34.20 2.7%
Library Rate 0.185114
33.29 2.6%
MFA 0.000200 0.04 0.0%
BCAA 0.059600
10.72 0.8%
$1,283.27 100.0%
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PROPERTYTAXATIONPOLICY
POLICY STATEMENT
The overall objective of the property tax rate policy is to achieve fairness and equity for all tax
payers and provide a stable and competitive business environment.
Council is committed to increasing the overall proportion of revenue from non residential classes
though growth and development while working to ensure that the amount of property taxes paid
by business and industry does not harm the ability of existing businesses to operate effectively
in the community and is not a deterrent for business considering locating in the community.
Council will use the opportunities to leverage funding to make the best use of available
resources, pursuing non‐property tax revenues whenever possible through applying for
government grants and charging user fees at appropriate levels.
BACKGROUND
The system of property taxation provides a stable and consistent source of revenue for many
services that are difficult or undesirable to fund on a user‐pay basis. These include services such
as fire protection, bylaw enforcement, libraries and street‐lighting. For these reasons, property
value taxation will continue to be the major source of municipal revenue. Council will work
toward closing the gap between the proportionate share of property tax paid by nonresidential
property classes and that of the residential property class.
To 2008 the practice of council had been to set tax rates in order to maintain tax stability. This
was accomplished by maintaining the proportionate relationship provided below between the
property classes. The 2009 council reduced business taxes by 10% while maintaining a freeze on
all other classifications at the 2008 level. Council’s 2010 – 2014 financial plan included a further
$30,000 reduction in business property taxes with a further $30,000 reduction in 2012. This has
reduced the ratio between business and residential taxes from 4.3 in 2008 to 2.7 in 2012.
Many municipal services, such as water and sewer usage, can be measured and charged for on a
user‐pay basis. This basis attempts to fairly apportion the value of a municipal service to those
who make use of it. User fees and charges will continue to form the second largest portion of
planned revenue. Council will perform regular reviews of revenue generating areas for
appropriate application of rate increases and ensure that utilities operate as self supporting
enterprise funds.
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DECLARATIONSOFDISQUALIFICATION
Declaration of disqualification under Section 111 of the Community Charter.
There are no disqualifications to report.
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PERMISSIVETAXEXEMPTIONS
In 2010 council adopted the Permissive Exemptions Policy to recognize the significant value
of volunteers, volunteer groups and agencies to the spiritual, educational, social, cultural, and
physical well‐being of the community. A property tax exemption is a means for Council to
support organizations within the town that further Council’s objective to enhance the quality
of life while delivering services economically to the citizens of the town. In 2010 council
adopted policy 2010‐009 Permissive Exemptions.
To be eligible for a property tax exemption an organization must comply with all of the
eligibility criteria outlined below. The application forms and supporting documentation are
an integral part of this policy. There is no obligation on the part of Council to grant property
tax exemptions in any given year.
a) Eligibility Criteria
The applicant(s) must:
qualify for an exemption under the provisions of the Community Charter general authority for property tax exemptions. (Section 224)
be in compliance with Town policies, plans, bylaws, and regulations (i.e. zoning);
be a Non‐Profit Organization;
not be in competition with for‐profit business.
provide services or programs that are compatible or complementary to those offered by the Town. When a service or program is offered by a non‐profit group or club, the community benefits from a more cost‐effective provision of services;
provide a service that fulfills some basic need, or otherwise improves the quality of life for residents of the Town of Princeton.
b) The principal use of property must meet Council’s objectives. The “principal use of the property” refers to the use related directly to the principal purpose of the organization owning the property. Property tax exemptions will be based on the principal use of the property, not on the non‐profit or charitable services of the organization.
c) The organization will provide benefits and accessibility to the residents of the town. specifically, members of the public, within the appropriate age range, are able to join a club or organization and participate in its activities for a nominal rate or fee.
d) Town residents must be the primary beneficiaries of the organization’s services. The services provided on the property must be accessible to the public. Council may, at its discretion, provide partial exemptions.
e) Organizations that provide liquor and/or meal services as their primary function and/or source of revenue will not be eligible for property tax exemption.
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f) Organizations that provide short term housing with length of stay up to a maximum of two years, including emergency shelters, transitional housing, supportive housing for people with special needs, and group homes are eligible.
g) Organizations that have a residence in the building or on the property will only be exempt if a caretaking function is performed and the property owner (organization) can provide a copy of an agreement demonstrating:
rent is not collected on the residence; and,
there is a caretaker agreement in place.
Applicants must, prior to July 31st of each year submit a complete application; provide the
information required to adjudicate the application; provide records to verify information
provided in support of application and appear before Council, if required.
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In 2015 Council exempted the following properties from taxation.
Owner
Taxes Exempted Land only
Roman Catholic Church 43 Billiter 411.29
Princeton Silver Crest Housing Center 34 Billiter 358.20
Princeton Silver Crest Housing Center 11 Fenchurch 538.86
Foursquare Gospel Church 38 Kenley 381.67
Foursquare Gospel Church Kenley Ave 139.61
Foursquare Gospel Church Kenley Ave 39.67
Foursquare Gospel Church Halliford Ave 18.58
Pentecostal Assemblies 165 Vermillion 298.80
St Paul’s Presbyterian Church 190 1st St 509.72
Princeton Long Term Care Society 327.05
Interior Health Authority 595 Ridgewood 1,898.24
Princeton Congregation of Jehovas Witnesses 604 Ridgewood 880.34
Crown Provincial BC - trails 19.08
Crown Provincial BC - trails 22.60
Baptist Church of Princeton 160 Old Hedley Rd 460.51
Crown Provincial BC - trails 13.06
Crown Provincial BC - trails 72.32
Princeton and District Community Services 262 Poplar 117.74
Princeton Community Services 88 Fenchurch 298.40
Princeton Community Services 252 Lachine 133.00
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PRINCETONFACTS Nestled in the Similkameen Valley, Princeton is perfectly located an hour from the South Okanagan and three hours from the lower mainland. With lots of sunshine and warm summers; this is truly the perfect location.
Geography
The town of Princeton is beautifully situated in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains, where the Tulameen and Similkameen rivers meet, serving as the southern gateway to the British Columbia Interior. The mountains and valleys make it a natural setting for fabulous, year‐round outdoor activities, and an outstanding vacation destination.
Economic Base
Princeton is the service center for approximately 4,500 area residents. Forestry, mining, tourism and cattle ranching are mainstays of the local economy.
Major Attractions
Princeton offers year around fun. You will find: the Princeton museum and archives, challenging
golf, heritage attractions, one of the Kettle Valley Rail Trails most diverse and scenic sections,
China Ridge biking, hiking and Nordic skiing centre and more lakes than you can shake a fly rod
at.
Other Information Housing ‐ Princeton offers an ample supply of all housing types to suit varied lifestyles, including apartments, condominiums, seniors housing, standard size lots, and estate‐type lots (1‐2 acres).
Access – Princeton is located 284 kilometers east of Vancouver and 110 kilometers west of Penticton on Highway 3 and 168 kilometers southwest of Kelowna on Highways 5A and 97C. Princeton owns and operates the Princeton Regional Airport. The runway is an asphalt surface and is 3934 × 75 ft (1199 × 23 m). Fuel is available.
Industrial Land – Princeton is in the fortunate position of having an ample supply of fully serviced industrial land available for immediate development.
Education ‐ Two elementary schools and one high school offer quality education to over 550 students in the community.
Churches ‐ Princeton has six churches in various denominations.
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Health Care ‐ The Princeton General Hospital provides level 1 health care under the administration of the Interior Health Authority. Services include a 6 bed acute care unit and a 36 bed extended care unit.
Police and Fire – Princeton is served by the RCMP. The Princeton Volunteer Fire Department offers excellent fire protection with state of the art equipment and training.
Princeton Quick Facts
Population Princeton (2011 Census) 2677
Princeton and Surrounding Area 4500
Elevation Princeton 650 metres/2100 feet
Coalmont 715 metres/2300 feet
Tulameen 780 metres/2500 feet
Average Daily High Temperature January ‐2 C/28 F
July 26 C/79 F
Princeton Airport Runway dimensions 3934x75 ft
Navigational Aid Non‐directional Beacon, RNAV
Distance to: Vancouver 284 km/176 miles
Kelowna 168 km/104 miles
Calgary 778 km/483 miles
Seattle 396 km/246 miles
Spokane 416 km/259 miles
2014AUDITEDFINANCIALSTATEMENTS
