City of Powell River council approved more than $1.6 million in community grants at its special meeting on Monday, May 29.
Powell River Community Forest president Greg Hemphill presented council with the forest company’s annual dividend to the city, its sole shareholder, which totalled a record of $1.98 million from 2016 timber sales.
On May 16, the community forest board passed a motion to recommend to city council that it approve the board’s recommended $1.61 million in community projects for funding allocation. Hemphill said the board expects to announce a second round of funding in the fall.
City council approved all the board’s recommendations.
“It’s been a record year with almost $2 million coming in from the community forest,” said mayor Dave Formosa after the meeting. “If you look at the diversity of the grants they hit every sector, feeding this inclusive and culturally rich community.”
Projects receiving funding include:
$600,000 to Powell River Public Library’s fundraising for the purchase of its new Alberni Street building.
Up to $300,000 for roof replacement on Dwight Hall in Townsite.
Up to $150,000 to Powell River Council for Arts and Culture for its art centre project on the second floor of the new library.
Up to $100,000, less any GST rebates, to Texada Heritage Society for replacement its Van Anda museum roof.
$92,900 to Powell River Academy of Music for renovations of its washrooms and outdoor performance area.
$75,000 to Knuckleheads Winter Recreation Association for construction of the Sentinel Ridge backcountry cabin.
$59,000 to James Thomson Elementary School’s parent advisory committee for purchase of new playground equipment.
$43,123 to Club Bon Accueil to pay for grounds and building updates.
$38,745 to Outdoor Recreation User Group Trails Society to expand the Eldred Valley climbers’ campsite.
$38,000 to Powell River Action Centre Food Bank Society for purchase of a pickup and delivery vehicle.
$19,760 to Myrtle Point Golf Club Society to help pay for a roof replacement.
$20,000 to Carlson Community Club for upgrades to the building’s façade.
$14,215 to Lang Creek Native Plant Garden Committee for its native plant project.
$5,963 to Powell River Therapeutic Riding Association for a horse shelter and storage shed.
$4,258 to Powell River 4-H Club for replacement of sewing machines.
An additional $3,000 was granted to CJMP Public Radio for upgrade and relocation of the station’s broadcast tower on Gallagher Hill; CJMP had been granted $5,750 last year for the project.
Hemphill said applications not selected this spring remain under consideration for future grants.
Councillor Karen Skadsheim said she supported the suggested grants in general, but struggled with providing funding to the Texada Heritage Society.
In April, the society appeared before the Powell River Regional District board to say it preferred that Texada not participate in a regional museum and heritage service, a funding arrangement that would share the tax burden for museums throughout electoral areas and the municipality.
Texada Heritage treasurer Peter Stiles told council the society has been following an active program to create a museum in the old elementary wing of Texada Elementary School.
“All of this is sitting under a roof that is in grave need of repair,” Stiles told council. “To say we can't replace the roof ourselves is not very correct. We could do it ourselves, but the opportunity of accessing the Powell River forest grants was pretty tempting.”
Stiles said the trade imbalance between Texada and Powell River more than outweighs the $100,000 being provided.
“People don't realize it but the balance of trade is a little lopsided,” he said. “Texada spends about $2.5 million per year in Powell River. We don't see that we don't pull our own weight.”
City finance committee chair Russell Brewer said after the meeting that depending on how discussions around different regional services and partnerships go, the city may need to look at its community forest reserve fund bylaw.
“That would be a community level discussion, not one I would want to have in isolation of the community forest board and the community as a whole,” said Brewer. “We’re entering budgeting again soon and if we’re struggling to maintain existing services, then we may need to look at all revenue sources for the city.”
Formosa thanked the community forest board and said he was pleased with being able to provide funding to support the city’s volunteers and non-profits.
“It's definitely one of the good parts of the job,” said Formosa. “We’re so fortunate to have the ability to provide grants when times are so tough financially.”
In addition to community forest grants, council also announced its 2017 grants-in-aid. Council approved $23,250 in funding for community non-profits from its budget of $25,000.
“It's always a pleasure this time of year when we announce those who are successful in the local grants-in-aid, and also the community forest grants,” said Formosa after the meeting.
Grants-in-aid announcements included:
$8,000 to Powell River Action Centre Food Bank.
$5,500 to Powell River Hospice Society.
$2,000 to Townsite Heritage Society of Powell River.
$2,000 to Powell River and District Christmas Cheer committee.
$1,000 to Marine Area Business Association.
$1,000 to Powell River Cycling Association.
$2,500 to Powell River Sea Fair Society.
$750 to Powell River Wellness Project.
$500 to Powell River Pride Society.
