Prince George is one of 50 communities across Canada that will receive a $25,000 grant from CN’s EcoConnexions – From the Ground Up Community Tree planting program next year.
Founded six years ago, the program is aimed at enhancing sustainable green space initiatives in communities across the country through grants given out on a yearly basis.
“To mark Canada’s 150th anniversary of confederation, we wanted to do something special and a little bit bigger so we’re actually doubling the number of grants to 50 across Canada, says CN spokesperson Emile Scheffel. “We’re really excited to make Prince George a part of that.”
He says Prince George was a natural choice.
“When we were selecting for the 2017 grants, we really put an emphasis on communities that have a special relationship with CN and from that point of view Prince George was close to the top of the list. We have about 400 employees in prince George, lots of customers and a long history there.”
CN will also plant a ceremonial tree to acknowledge the importance of its relationship with the city. Scheffel says the details for the grant’s application still have to be worked out.
“[They can do with it] as they see fit on community beautification and contributing to the sustainability of the community. So we’ll be working with the city and our partners, Communities in Bloom and Tree Canada, to see exactly what that program will look like.”
CN has planted 60,000 trees and shrubs in 150 communities across Canada since 2012.
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