Garden Project Needs Seed Money

Monday, October 05, 2009 07:57 PM

Drawing of waterfall feature the David Douglas Botanical Society wants to install

Prince George, B.C.- The David Douglas Botanical Garden Society has asked City Council to make an initial, and annual donation to its garden at UNBC.

The Society has in mind to complete a water feature at the display garden, and the price tag is just shy of $200 thousand dollars.

The Society wants the City to make an initial contribution of $30 thousand to the project, and an annual contribution of $10,000.

The Society says the garden would be a legacy and tourist attraction that will complement the viewing stand on the University grounds. There is also the opportunity for research.

Society spokesperson Mary Jago says the Society has raised $106,500 for the water feature and a further $10 thousand for the bridge "There has been a huge community volunteer effort, but each time potential donors are approached, they ask, 'have you gone to City Council' so here we are" says Jago. She says with a funding committment from the City they believe they could leverage more dollars.

Councilors Cameron Sstolz and Dave Wilbur both pointed at the economy as reasons for not supporting a long term funding committment although Wilbur was in favour of finding some dollars for the short term. Councilor Stolz said he worried about the public perception if the City was to fund this water feature and bridge, when there are still repairs to be made to the Cottonwood Island trails and bridges.

Council has referred the item to staff to channel the $30 thousand dollar request to normal grant funding streams, while the annual contribution request will be part of the next budget discussions.

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Posted on Monday, October 05, 2009 07:57 PM in News by 250 News

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Comments

Posted by: chrislivingdowntown on October 5 2009 8:12 PM

Plant a Marijuana seed to support Marc Emery

Posted by: Moses on October 5 2009 8:38 PM

'Councilor Stolz said he worried about the public perception if the City was to fund this water feature and bridge, when there are still repairs to be made to the Cottonwood Island trails and bridges.'

Perhaps if the City had designed and constructed the Cottonwood Island trails and bridges right the first time they wouldn't need to be funding repairs now.

Posted by: Palopu on October 5 2009 9:15 PM

I dont beleive for a minute anyone said **have you gone to City Council** I suspect that going to the City would be one of the first options the society would be thinking about.

As a matter of interest, **City Council** has no money. So I guess what they mean is **HAVE YOU GONE TO THE TAXPAYERS**

As Citizens of Prince George we can contribute to this project if we care to do so, however they shouldnt be coming through the back door to get our contributions through our tax payments.

I suggest they set up a booth in the Mall and put in a few days work, Im sure they would be able to collect sufficient funds to finish this so called **tourist attraction**

Taxpayers are already funding the Jago Northern Sports Centre to the tune of 300,000.00 per year. We dont need to contribute anymore.

Posted by: gus on October 6 2009 1:15 AM

Waterfall? Up there there is no water moving through the system other than after a large rainstrom. So they will have to pump it.

Moving the water will prevent it from becoming stagnant.

So how much energy will be required to pump the water?

Posted by: CaringSoul on October 6 2009 10:53 AM

More hands out for things WE DO NOT NEED. The city had to raise our taxes because they could not make their budget. They have no money and the tax payers should not have to pay for such things in a time of recession. Do as the Palopu suggest and actually work to get the money from those who can afford a bit extra.

Posted by: Harbinger on October 6 2009 6:38 PM

If I want to hear gurgling water I will stand outside my house, beside my ditch because I don't have storm sewers and curbs. Poor me. But then again, the sound of moving water is free to me.