Students and faculty will be helping to give downtown Guelph a “green” makeover. The Downtown Guelph Business Association recently awarded the University two inaugural Small Spaces grants to help beautify the city’s core.

Students and faculty from the School of Environmental Design and Rural Development will use one grant to enhance the “Downtown Welcome” sign at the Guelph Farmer’s Market by adding perennial plantings and lighting.

Students and professors in the landscape architecture program will also work with the Norfolk Street United Church to plant a new perennial garden for the church’s 175-th anniversary.

The Small Spaces project is a new initiative designed to upgrade the downtown. The projects were reviewed and selected by a jury.