If your old artificial tree has had its day, now is the time to dispose of it.
Give it a new purpose as the Downtown Business Improvement Association upcycles old trees to help beautify Prince George's core.
Carla Johnston, the new executive director of the association, is putting out the call for unwanted trees.
Flower baskets that can be seen throughout the downtown core in the summertime will now be adorned in the winter months to add a little greenery to Prince George's white winterscape.
The pilot project is set for next winter and Johnston is hoping the baskets will grace the entire length of Quebec street, right from the Via Rail station, where Prince George Tourism is located, to the future Games Plaza at Civic Centre Plaza.
Johnston said she's consulting with local greenery experts now to come up with a solid design plan.
"When the idea was brought to me to use old Christmas trees, I was ecstatic," said Johnston, who has already had a donation of 10 trees and is ultimately looking for 100 or more to complete the project. Green is preferred but with a little creative thinking, Johnston said she's sure they can find a use for coloured trees as well.
Johnston has a handful of volunteers at the ready to assemble the baskets and believes that over the next few years the entire downtown will be beautified through this program.
People can donate their trees to the Downtown Business Improvement Association, 1406 Second Ave., beginning Jan. 6. Office hours are Mon. to Fri. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. And if drop off is not feasible, pick up is available by calling 250-614-1330.
