The majority of Prince George residents don’t want to see more development around Ginter’s Meadow, according to a survey by a group of UNBC students.
According to the survey, 97.5 per cent of those surveyed strongly agreed, agreed or somewhat agreed that the Ginter’s area should remain greenspace for years to come. In addition, 89.7 per cent of respondents strongly disagreed, disagreed or somewhat disagreed that the Ginter’s area should be developed for a mix of residential and commercial uses.
The survey was conducted by a group of third-year Environmental & Sustainability Studies students, under the supervision of UNBC researcher Annie Booth. Students surveyed a total of 204 people, both online and in-person at Ginter's Meadow.
Jenn Matthews, of the Ginter’s Green Forever group, said the survey sends a clear message to the city and developers that residents want to keep the urban forest space undeveloped. Currently two lots with a combined 161 acres east of UNBC are listed for sale for $9.95 million. The listing advertises the land as “an excellent opportunity for a large-scale development in a fast growing residential and post secondary educational neighborhood.”
“The land north of Shane Creek is city park land. (But) everything south of Shane Creek is private land,” Matthews said. “Having this urban forest is such an asset. That’s what people love about living here.”
The undeveloped land is valuable habitat for a wide range of animals, including bears, birds, foxes and moose, she said. In addition it has economic value as a park, helping attract and retain residents to the city, she said.
The park is used daily by dog walkers, joggers, hikers, cyclists, bird watchers and others.
“(And) if I was living below that escarpment, I’d be worried about the safety of my home,” Matthews said. “We have so much water up there.”
Deforestation, combined with the wet conditions on the escarpment, could create a recipe for a landslide, she said.
The Ginter’s Green Forever is looking at ways the group could purchase the land, to preserve it for future generations. They are also asking city council to not rezone the land to be developed.
“People in our city really understand all the values the forested area brings to our city. We see it as our Stanley Park and we expect our local government to value it in the same way,” Selene Maxwell of Ginter’s Green Forever said in a statement issued on Wednesday. “Respondents clearly stated that this area is important for recreational, ecological, and social values.”
Ginter's Green Forever was formed in 2017, to oppose the development of a bus depot on the north side of the park.
