If Squamish council members were hoping their penny-pinching measures during last year's community enhancement grant-in-aid process would deter community organizations from applying this year, they were sadly mistaken.
Fifteen community organizations approached council with community enhancement funding requests ranging from $975 to $37,000 during Tuesday's (March 22) Committee of the Whole meeting, for a total of $181,959.
Finance general manager Joanne Greenlees briefed council and applicants on the current financial situation. Based on council decisions about priority budget items last week, the estimated 2011 property tax increase will be 2.6 per cent. That's based on a $63,000 budget for community enhancement grants.
On Tuesday council listened to the applicants and asked questions but didn't make any decisions.
"It is very difficult to weigh the applications because they come from such a diverse range of interests including social services, sports, heritage, environment, arts and youth," said Mayor Greg Gardner after the presentation.
"However, council is always pleased to be able to offer financial assistance to some of these third-party organizations."
Last year council faced a similar total funding request ($210,532.33) from more than 20 local organizations and decided to focus only on "essential needs."
After much debate, 2010 monetary contributions were set at $5,000 for the Squamish Hospice Society, $15,000 for the Squamish Arts Council, $10,000 for the Howe Sound Women's Centre Society and $10,000 for the Squamish Food Bank Society.
This year three of those four groups - the Howe Sound Women's Centre, the Squamish Food Bank Society and the Squamish Arts Council - are back asking for larger contributions.
The women's centre is asking for $20,000 to help with operating costs at the Drop In Centre, which helped 4,600 people last year. The society is facing a substantial deficit.
"This year the women's centre is down $15,000 to $20,000 in our fundraising endeavours and donations," said Sheila Allen, Howe Sound Women's Centre executive director.
A similar tone of urgency was prevalent in most of the organizations' demands.
The Squamish Food Bank requested $15,000 to help purchase food for the growing number of individuals and families using the facility's services. Susan Newman said at this time last year, the food bank was serving 281 people whereas this year they are servicing 345. Of those 345, 111 are children.
"There has been an increase in the number of people using food banks across the country and we're no different," said Newman.
"It's getting bad out there."
She said the food bank has already reduced the amount of food single people are receiving and she doesn't want to do the same to families.
The Alano Club of Squamish, whose mission is to provide a sober and clean place for people to socialize substance free, is asking for $10,000 for renovation and upkeep costs. The club is experiencing substantial flooding issues as a result of the buildings surrounding them being built up.
"Every time we get a good rain, our basement gets about two feet of water," said Ray Westley.
"Our budget only accommodates operating costs and we have no way of paying for these necessary renovations."
The $10,000 would only cover the materials and Alano Club volunteers would do all the labour themselves, he said.
Other urgent requests included a plea from the Howe Sound Curling Club to help replace the aging refrigeration plant. According to engineers, the plant could shut down any day and in that case the club will most likely shut down.
"It's a great sport for everyone but particularly the older members of our community," said Brian Avey, adding that he would hate to see it close as six other similar-sized clubs in B.C. have this year.
"With a community this size and a club this small, it is a challenge to run the facility."
The Howe Sound Marine Rescue Society, which supports the Coast Guard Auxiliary in Squamish, is asking for $26,000 to help maintain on-water training and equipment. The all-volunteer organization provides first-response rescue to marine vessels in Squamish waters.
Last year volunteers responded to 12 distress calls and provided support for kayak races and the Squamish sailing regatta.
The nearest Coast Guard rescue base is in West Vancouver, from which it takes an hour to respond to a call in the Squamish area.
Other applicants included Squamish Climate Action Network for educational programs, the local Royal Canadian Air Cadets for their storage facility, the Royal Canadian Legion for installing speed bumps due to safety concerns, the Canada Day celebration, the Eagle Watch Program, Evans Lake Forest Education Society to help subsidize would-be campers with financial limitations, Howe Sound Secondary School career programs for RCMP Youth Academy and the West Coast Railway Association for panel rental costs at the Adventure Centre.
Nine community groups presented grant-in-aid requests, which means waiving fees for district facilities or equipment. The requests total $19,490 for ceremonies and events.
Council plans to decide who will receive funding in the next two weeks.
