Some members of the Prince George Habitat for Humanity Society are not surprised but very disappointed in Prince George City Council’s decision to deny a request for the final $20,000 of development costs for a lot on Norwood Avenue.

(Photo at left shows lot which was to be the site of a Habitat for Humanity duplex)

“I am very, very disappointed” says Habitat Executive Member Joanne Pickering. “I guess we will have to put out a plea to the Citizens of Prince George and ask them to come down ( to the Re-Store on Queensway) and bring a twoonie.” She is not certain how they will raise the balance of the money needed to develop the lot so they can carry on with plans to build a duplex “We have had two families waiting for a home since last summer” says Pickering “I guess I have to be thankful for all the things the City has given us, all our permits and such” .

Habitat was caught off guard when the development costs for the Norwood Street lot soared to $56,501 dollars. 

The City has absorbed $36,501 of the $56,501 development costs. Wednesday night, Council voted against covering the final $20 thousand dollars worth of fees. Councillor Murry Krause said he supported the work of Habitat for Humanity, but was very concerned about the kind of message that would be sent out if the City absorbed all of the fees.

Habitat for Humanity will try to raise the funds, “ We still want to build and I will try to organize a fundraiser” says Joanne Pickering “ Anything over $25 dollars will qualify for a tax receipt , but you know $20 thousand dollars is a lot of money, it would probably have paid for all the wiring in the home.”

P.G. Habitat Society President Kevin Gagel  has indicated the project may have to be reassessed and possibly scaled back to a single family dwelling if the City denied the funding request.