Grants totalling $1,158,905.51 have been recommended by Powell River Community Forest in its spring “take-ups,” or funding approvals, for community and City of Powell River projects.
Community Forest president Greg Hemphill and city interim chief financial officer Debra Oakman presented the spring grant recommendations to council at its committee of the whole meeting on May 15. Approval was expected at council’s regular meeting on May 17.
Community Forest declared a dividend in the amount of $2,130,450 for 2017.
“We have a substantial dividend, a record one for ourselves,” said Hemphill. “With the way we've set out with two take-ups, there will be substantial funds left for fall.”
Hemphill added that organizations can apply at any time and no later than early September.
Powell River Community Forest is an independent corporation set up by a lone shareholder, City of Powell River, with the purpose of reinvesting 100 per cent of its profits back into the community. Established in 2006, the company harvests timber on approximately 7,100 hectares of provincial forest land.
Community Forest and the city collaborate in the awarding of grants. Community Forest receives applications and recommends its choices to council for approval.
Powell River Community Forest spring grants have been recommended for:
Powell River Parks and Wilderness Society: Sunshine Coast Trail north end shelter and other enhancements, $73,304.
Zackery's Social Network Society K-Lumet Pilot Project: Waste wood trucking, storage container, office equipment, wood splitter, wax tank, contribution toward a facility for manufacture of quick-burning fire starters employing persons with disabilities, $36,289.51 (subject to occupancy permit).
Powell River Curling Club: Contribution toward ice-plant replacement, $150,000.
Wild Ocean Whale Society: Set up of ocean viewpoints, including standing binoculars, signage and presentation materials, $44,167 (subject to siting approval by local government).
Knuckleheads Winter Recreation Association: Sentinel backcountry cabin construction, $15,000.
Ohtaqken Canoe Paddle Project: Tribal journey, $14,235.
Gillies Bay Volunteer Fire Department: Contribution toward a mobile structural protection unit for regional emergency resources located on Texada Island, $23,000.
Powell River Employment Program: Tenant improvements for new lease space at Crossroads Village, $130,000.
Cadet corps of Powell River with support of BC Target Sports Association: Contribution toward establishing indoor target-shooting training facility, $14,545.
Vancouver Coastal Health on behalf of Evergreen Extended Care residents and families: Purchase and install of oven, $6,365.
Powell River Gymnastics Club: Foam pit replacement, $60,000.
Powell River Public Library: Contribution to “Build a Future” campaign associated with cost/naming rights for library foyer, $250,000.
City of Powell River: North Harbour launch ramp improvements, $200,000.
City of Powell River: Park signage upgrades, $30,000.
City of Powell River: Playground equipment replacement for DA Evans Park and swing sets at Grief Point and Lindsay parks, $67,000.
City of Powell River: Disabled seating and pathways at Loggers Memorial Bowl, $10,000.
City of Powell River: Cedar shake siding on Timberlane Park washroom building, $10,000.
City of Powell River: Cedar shake siding for Powell River Historical Museum and Archives Centennial Building, $25,000.
