Only two of 15 community organizations that applied to the Town of Osoyoos for community service grants were rejected during what was a relatively smooth process during 2013 budget deliberations.
“We received approximately 15 requests for community service grants totaling over $47, 000,” said Gerald Davis, the town’s director of community services during a presentation to town council on Monday. “Almost all of the requests were approved with the exception of two, which did not fit the criteria. Of the projects that were approved, almost all receive full funding.”
Council ended up approving 13 community grants within the set budget of $43,000.
Members of staff met with councillors Mike Plante and Michael Ryan to discuss and approve the applications from the various community groups.
Following is a list of the various community groups that received funding and how much they received:
– Osoyoos Royalty (expenses and bursary) – $6,000.
– Osoyoos Festival Society (special events) – $6,000
– Osoyoos Fireworks Committee (fireworks contribution) – $5,000
– Osoyoos Elementary School (playground equipment) – $5,000
– Elks Senior Citizens Centre (property taxes) – $4,900
– Desert Sun Counselling and Resource Centre (Childminding/Healthy Living programs) – $4,000
– Osoyoos Seniors Centre (table purchase) – $2,600
– Better at Home (special event) – $2,400
– Osoyoos Elks Lodge (property taxes) – $2,250
– Osoyoos Secondary School (bursaries) – $2,250
– Osoyoos International Curling Club (water heater purchase) – $1,000
– Osoyoos Soroptomist Club (workshop expenses) – $1,000
– Royal Canadian Legion Branch 73 Osoyoos – $600
Mayor Stu Wells said these community grants go a long way to helping so many community agencies, most of which operate on very tight budgets, and he’s thrilled council was able to meet almost every funding request for 2013.
“These are significant amounts of money … but they really help,” he said.
Coun. C. J. Rhodes thanked fellow councillors Ryan and Plante for donating the time to review and approve the applications and grants.