Prince George, B.C.- Prince George Heritage Commission Chair, Joe Graber, is calling on the City of Prince George to give the Heritage Commission some minor funding this year so it can complete the inventory of historic sites and buildings in the community. “We’re in a situation where its very difficult to find funding, especially from the Province” Graber told Council in its budget meeting.

Three years ago, the Heritage Commission predicted it would need a budget of $20 thousand dollars in 2010. “What we’re asking for this year is for some money to continue operating at a reasonable level.” Graber says the Commission has re-examined it’s budget and has asked for just $7,000.

The money would be used to examine the inventory of properties and bring forward the most at risk buildings and sites “There are some 250 buildings and sites on that inventory; the information that’s there is often put in as a guesstimate. We are in the process of prioritizing that and making sure the information is accurate.” Verifying the information is where the costs come into play. “We expect we might need some help from someone.”

He says the other matter is that buildings which are on the Heritage list, need signage to tell their story and that could cost about $500. He says the Commission also wants to continue with the Heritage awards which could cost   about $200.

While sympathetic to his case, Council has just three enhancements under consideration and has been very shy about adding to that list.

Councilor Murry Krause says he can confirm there is no money available for this kind of thing in this area. He says the Heritage Legacy fund is a possibility, but nothing is certain at this point.

Council has agreed to set the matter over to the enhancement list for consideration on February 24^th.