Prince George-Peace River MP Bob Zimmer & Prince George Mayor Shari Green – photo 250 News

Prince George, B.C. – The City of Prince George is set to receive just under $2.5 million in funding for a strategy proponents say will go a long ways to reducing crime.

The money will support the implementation of the Strengthening Families Program which starts this fall and will run for five years.

Prince George-Peace River Conservative MP Bob Zimmer made the announcement this morning at City Hall.

“For us it’s a preventative measure and if we can invest in people’s lives so they don’t commit crimes, don’t become criminals in the future, then that’s a good thing.”

Mayor Shari Green says the program is a component of the Mayor’s Task Force on Crime and says it’s been found in other municipal jurisdictions to help “reduce problem behaviours, delinquency and alcohol and drug abuse in youth and improve social competencies in school performance.”

The program will be hosted by the Prince George Native Friendship Centre and six schools in the the community (Harwin, Westwood, Van Bien, Peden Hill, Spruceland Traditional and Pinewood).

School Distict 57 Superintendent Brian Pepper says “vulnerable schools” were chosen to participate and is very pleased the funding has come through.

“Very pleased. I mean it’s been in the works for a number of years and it fits very nicely into the Mayor’s Task Force on Crime.”

Harwin Elementary principal Nevio Rossi agrees noting “anytime you provide an opportunity like this for kids whether it’s Harwin or any other school it will be beneficial for kids.”

The program will be monitored by UNBC and will run for 14 weeks at a time. It will include a class, a nutritious meal, transportation and childcare.