First Sustainable Landscapes Field Test for Northern Communities

Prince George – Mayor Sharon Hartwell of the Village of Telkwa, representing the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM), and Mr. Richard Harris, Member of Parliament for Cariboo−Prince George, today announced a $260,752 Green Municipal Fund grant to the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC). The grant will help UNBC, the City of Prince George, and a coalition of community partners test ecologically sustainable landscape options in the community. Information derived from the research will be used to demonstrate sustainable landscaping practices for northern ecosystems and to quantify the beneficial impacts on water, soil and air quality. Ultimately, the information from the field test will guide the development of the City’s long term master plan for sustainable landscaping.

“This investment in sustainable communities is another example of the Government of Canada’s commitment to deliver real results for all Canadians and help make this country a world-leader on the environment,” said Mr. Harris. “Through the Green Municipal Fund, our government is assisting municipalities across the country and their partners deliver results for a cleaner, healthier environment.”

The final report from the field test will identify specific northern practices that will lead to possible reductions in herbicide, pesticide, fungicide, water use, and air pollution through appropriate landscaping choices for northern climates. It will also include analysis of financial implications while identifying economic development and public health benefits. “We expect that this study will benefit most Canadian municipalities faced with short growing seasons, limited maintenance resources, road salt deposits, and pressure to eliminate pesticides.” said City of Prince George Mayor, Colin Kinsley. “This is another example of how Prince George is leading the nation, in partnership with our university.” The Government of Canada has endowed the Federation of Canadian Municipalities with $550 million to establish and manage the Green Municipal Fund. The Fund supports partnerships and leveraging of both public and private sector funding to reach higher standards of air, water and soil quality, and climate protection.

For information on the sustainable landscape field test, visit: http://web.unbc.ca/sustainablelandscape

For information on the City of Prince George, visit http://www.city.pg.bc.ca.

For information on the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, visit www.fcm.ca

For information on Environment Canada, visit www.ec.gc.ca