Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) directors have approved about $79,500 in community grants.
The number of applications was up this year, but the amounts being asked for were a bit lower, according to SCRD staff. As of March 31, there were 45 rural areas’ grant-in-aid requests totalling $122,579. In 2016 there were 50 applications totalling $139,631.
The grants approved May 25 included $5,000 toward bringing the Caravan Theatre’s tall ship show to Gibsons Harbour July 28-30 as a special Canada 150 event to coincide with Sea Cavalcade.
50th Anniversary
2017 marks the 50th anniversary of the formation of the Sunshine Coast Regional District and SCRD staff have been looking into ways to mark the event.
A report that came forward at the May 25 corporate and administrative services committee meeting noted that a call for members of the public interested in participating on a 50th anniversary committee didn’t get yield any applications. And, so far no grants have come through.
Plans to commemorate 50 years of the SCRD include: a float in the Canada Day parade in Sechelt, refurbishing the totem pole at the Field Road office as “a legacy project that also serves to foster cross-cultural awareness,” a photo contest, and a time capsule.
Meter funding application
The SCRD is applying to the federal government’s Gas Tax Strategic Priorities Fund to help pay for phase 3 of the universal water metering program
The grant provides funding for up to 100 per cent of eligible costs up to a maximum of $6 million. SCRD staff estimate the capital cost of the installations planned for phase 3 would be around $5.5 million.
