In a time when the provincial and federal governments seem to have less money for community development, the burden of funding projects and non-profit agencies which improve Canadian towns and make them more equitable places to live is being piled higher onto the back of local government.
For many communities across the country this cost downloading continues to exact its toll. But there are examples of communities, like Powell River, which have taken steps to improve resiliency and the weight has been somewhat ameliorated.
Powell River is fortunate to have access to a wealth of natural and human resources. Not all communities have a community forest to draw from to generate income for use in special projects. Nor do the vast majority have community foundations which have established permanent funds to steadily improve the well-being of a town’s non-profits.
As one of the councillors said recently, generosity and volunteerism make Powell River one of the best communities to live in on the coast.
This year, Powell River Community Foundation provided $10,000 in awards, money generated from the foundation’s close to $800,000 permanent fund. When the foundation began 13 years ago, it was started with a few donations of $10,000 and then was matched by the Vancouver Foundation. As the permanent fund increases in size, so too will be the benefit for the community.
Powell River Community Forest Ltd. generated close to $1.4 million last year, about $150,000 more than the year prior. And while some residents balk at the fact that the president of Island Timberlands visited last week to pick up payment for Millennium Park’s trees, many, including Eagle Walz, breathed a sigh of relief that the fight to preserve some of Powell River’s most beautiful trees had come to a conclusion. Purchase was made possible because of the community forest.
The community forest grants are also going to improve many locations around the area: Sunset Park, Mowat Bay Park, Powell River Recreation Complex Evergreen Theatre and pool, the museum, lawn bowling club, Sunshine Coast trail, the list continues.
It is noteworthy to mention that whether or not the provincial or federal governments think it is worth their while to improve parks and provide money for projects that make Powell River great, the community does and these two initiatives put community first.
