The Prince George Northern Sustainable Landscape Initiative has received some new dollars from the Green Municipal Fund.

Dr. Annie Booth advised Prince George Council the Initiative has received $189,000 to match funds raised through other sources.

Booth also outlined  some new proposals for possible funding including:

• Salt tolerance study.  Booth says in the spring, salt levels in soils are 17 times their normal levels. The study would identify plants that can withstand the climate and the high levels of salt
• Stabilization of University Way, as there are plants and trees that could be used to stabilize the hill. She admits if the City is interested in this project, she advises this would be the most expensive.  "Slope stabilization is the most costly" says Booth, but she says a University Way mud slide is "inevitable".
• 3rd Avenue piece of property (between Dales Trading Post and the Pawn shops)  developing a plan to beautify the lot and accomodate current users
• Piece of property to be developed into an urban greenspace near the courthouse on the corner of Second and George
• Identifying fruit and nut varieties that may be brought into Prince George for long term planting.

She also talked about  the plan to redo the grounds at Studio 2880, a project that will likely cost about $40 thousand dollars.

When it comes to priorities, Booth says the salt tolerance study would be at the top of the list because as the climate warms, there will be more winter icing, and increased use of salt which Booth says will impact on plantings along roadways.

City Manager George Paul noted the slippage issue is a cosmetic concern.  Paul says the integrity of the hill is not a question, but there has been some surface slippage.

The report was received and sent over to Staff for further information.

the University has $150 thousand dollars which is available for matching funds from the Green Municipal Fund.

The GMF was established by the Federal Government 6 years ago and has $550 million dollars available for specific projects. The fund is administered by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities.