In 1960, the City of Prince George built a parade float which featured a large, moveable figure shaped and colored to represent log construction. The float was entered in the 1963 Grey Cup Parade in Vancouver and subsequently was sent to many parades in British Columbia. As a result, the float became known as a symbol of the City of Prince George and was named Mr. PG. In 2009, Mr. PG was featured on a 54¢ Canadian postage stamp.
Mr. PG stands 8.13 meters (27 feet) high and symbolizes the importance of the forestry industry to the city of Prince George.
Following his travels atop a parade float, Mr. PG, without the float, was mounted in the city as an iconic symbol of the city. Apparently he moved around a bit, being seen in at least one other location, in front of the Chamber of Commerce, prior to his move to what we hope is his final destination. He presently stands on the west side of Highway 16, just south of its intersection with Highway 97. He even has a time capsule in his chest. This is an appropriate location for Mr. PG as this is the major highway junction in the city. Considered the Capital of Northern British Columbia, Prince George has approximately 78,675 residents in this, the 9th most populated area of British Columbia, and the fastest growing city in Canada.
While this Tourist Stamp differs slightly from the norm, it is an interesting one, nonetheless. Rather than a precisely formed little wooden circle, polished and varnished, it is made from a thin slice of a small tree trunk complete with bark. To our knowledge, they may still be available in the
Prince George Visitor Centre gift shop.
Mr. PG
The idea for Mr. PG originated with Harold Moffat in the late 1950s. Moffat believed that Prince George needed a mascot, similar to Paul Bunyan in Oregon, who could promote the forest industry and represent the city. Moffat approached Hans Roine, a local Rotarian and sawmill owner, with the idea. By 1960, the first Mr. PG was created: five feet tall and made entirely of wood, he stood outside the former Simon Fraser Hotel on Quebec Street.
Mr. PG was an instant hit, leading the City to build a larger 11.6-metre (38-foot) version atop a parade float for the 1961 Elks May Day Parade. Mr. PG then hit the road, winning first place in the Kelowna Regatta parade and second prize in the Pacific National Exhibition parade. Mr. PG gained national recognition when he appeared in the 1963 Grey Cup Parade in Vancouver.
Mr. PG was eventually placed on permanent display in front of the Chamber of Commerce, then located at the corner of George Street and 1st Avenue. In 1970, he was moved to the intersection of Highways 16 and 97. In 1983, the old wooden version was replaced with the current metal and fiberglass Mr. PG. He stands 8.14 metres (27 feet) tall and contains a time capsule in his chest.
In 2009, Mr. PG appeared on a stamp as part of Canada Post’s Roadside Attraction series. He has been celebrated in song, and even has his own Facebook page!
Mr. PG is a registered trademark of the City of Prince George.
From the Exploration Place