qathet Regional District has approved its first intake of financial assistance to community organizations for 2025.
At the June 25 regional board meeting, directors approved 14 grants, while declining two.
The board has approved a $2,500 grant to Everybody Deserves a Smile for kindness bag distribution in 2025.
A $23,000 grant-in-aid was approved for the qathet Outdoor Recreation Users Group Trails Society for 2025 ongoing maintenance and construction of multi-use trails. Powell River Therapeutic Riding will receive $8,000 for 2025 operational expenses.
The board approved a grant of $6,000 for the Townsite Jazz Festival Society for jazz concerts that were held in qathet region in 2025. The board directed staff to enter into a three-year funding agreement from 2026 to 2028 with the society for grant-in-aid contributions, subject to the base amount of $6,000, and a consumer price index adjustment each year thereafter to 2028.
qathet Tourism Society will receive $15,000 for two shoulder-season staff members to allow for increased hours of operation at the visitors centre during 2025. Vancouver Island North Film Commission will receive $3,000 to provide free motion picture skills training and marketing of the qathet region as a filming location.
The board approved a grant of $3,600 to the Texada Agriculture Group for a new freeze dryer at the Texada Food Hub. A grant of $12,000 was approved for qathet Art Council for general operating expenses in 2025.
qathet Community Justice Society will receive $2,200 for 2025 operational expenses. Texada Sandcastle Weekend will receive a grant of $3,000 for the insurance, safety and security of attendees, plus cleanliness. Powell River Child, Youth and Family Services was approved for a grant of $10,500 for Orca Bus operations in 2025.
Directors voted to promote the grant application from Foundry qathet to qathet Regional Hospital District for consideration. Foundry qathet is asking for $50,000 from the regional hospital district for capital costs to renovate a space for the organization.
The board denied a grant-in-aid to Wild Ocean Whale Society for funding that would be allocated to humanely reduce feral cat populations in Electoral Areas A and B.
The board approved a grant of $10,000 to Savary Island Land Trust for the purchase of a forested land parcel on Savary Island. qathet Film Society will receive $2,000 for the 2025 youth film camp.
The board respectfully denied a grant-in-aid request to Powell River Brain Injury Society for operating expenses.
qathet Regional District also has a fall intake of grants-in -aid.
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